Date: 11/21/24 6:06 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding Report - Belle Isle
I have finished the Fall 2024 Bird Banding Report for the first season at Belle Isle Bird Observatory, Wayne County, Michigan. It can be viewed by clicking the "Bird Banding Reports" above, or use this link. http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/bird-banding-reports.html
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Paul Pratt
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Michael, Mike and Paul for keeping me company and helping observe on this gloomy morning. We understandably had only two visitors.
Weather: The day started mostly overcast with mist accompanying a light wind from the east. There were a couple of short sunny spells in the first hours and the visibility improved to about 12km. However by late morning the wind increased and shifted through south to the west and by early afternoon heavy rain arrived. The temperature hovered around 8-9c. The pressure dropped 12 points during the morning before the rain arrived and the watch was curtailed.
Raptor Observations: The highlight of the morning were two Golden Eagles at 11.14, to the north east. They circled and eventually disappeared in the low clouds. The other raptors were Northern Harrier (2), both hunting over Harrier Island, Sharp-shinned Hawk (2), a single Red-tailed Hawk and a Bald Eagle.
Non-raptor Observations: Slightly lower activity around the tower with fewer species seen. Duck numbers are being maintained and there are still late staying Great Egret (5) and an American White Pelican. Before the clouds closed in there were overflying American Goldfinch (85), Horned Lark (17) and Eastern Bluebird (19). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203127389
Predictions: The forecast is for a colder day with temperatures at about 3-4c, overcast with a moderate wind from the west. Slight chance of sleet early on. Raptor numbers will likely be low but today proves you never know what might turn up! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/20/24 2:50 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (20 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 20, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: A dark November sky was our unwanted companion today. We have become well aquatinted with overcast and rainy this week. Rain began at 1pm sharp. It downgraded to a drizzle around 2pm, which continued until the end of the count. The barometer fell and then rose again with the rain. The temperature undulated inversely: rising from 8C to 10C, then falling down to 5C. Winds from the West, bringing rain across the state.
Raptor Observations: Two local Bald Eagles perched low in the parking lot trees. Another distant raptor, likely the local Red-tail, sat in a tree on Celeron; it presented as nothing more than a soggy mass of feathers. None of the raptors were inclined to leave their branches.
Non-raptor Observations: Great Blue Heron were moving today. They came in steady singles in the morning. The afternoon brought two groups of about 15 each.
Predictions: We could be getting our first snow in the early hours of tomorrow morning. The snow showers are predicted to give way to a mixture of rain and snow in the afternoon. Winds will be W at 10 to 15 mph. The temperature will stay in the 30s F. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Michael St. Pierre, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Thanks to Michael for taking over as Official Counter in the afternoon and for Liz, Mike J and Mike StP for helping. It was good to meet Hannah from Iowa, who was visiting to add a few species to her Ontario List. We were also visited by a group of stalwart walkers from Harrow.
Weather: The rain arrived early morning and continued to mid afternoon. The wind was moderate from the south east. Visibility was very low until the rain stopped and then increased to about 15km. The temperature remained in the low teens all day. Pressure remained low at about the same level all day. The skies cleared slightly after mid afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Understandably, with the rain there was only a few raptors seen. At least we saw a few - two Merlin, two Northern Harriers, two Sharp-shinned Hawks and a single Cooper's Hawk that dived after something in the Willow tree but was unsuccessful.
Non-raptor Observations: The visibility and rain limited the list, but there was good sparrow, Rusty Blackbird and Wren activity around the Tower. There was also a limited fly over in the hours before the rain arrived with American Goldfinch (71), Horned Lark (8), American Pipit (2) and Eastern Bluebird (2). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S203048899
Predictions: The forecast looks as though we might have a dry(ish) morning with rain arriving just after midday. The slight wind initially from the west will turn south and then increase as the rain arrives. Temperature will be much the same as today in the low teens. We don't expect many raptors but we may see a few in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/19/24 4:42 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (19 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 19, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 4 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Dan Atherton
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Rain, drizzle and fog. wind from SE and SSE, up to 23 km/hour (14 mi/hr). Temperature steady at ca. +13C (55F).
Raptor Observations: None recorded. At least 2 resident Bald Eagles were seen in perches, and one over the river.
Non-raptor Observations: Bonaparte's Gulls, Rusty Blackbirds, and a Belted Kingfisher.
Predictions: A mix of sun and cloud early in the morning, and rain for the rest of the day. Variable winds. Chances of seeing migrating hawks are very low. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/19/24 11:32 am From: 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Protect Ann Arbor's Arboretum
As many of you may know, there is a growing groundswell against a proposal that has been made public by the University of Michigan, as part of its “Campus Plan 2050”, to route an overhead “campus-connector" monorail system through Nichols Arboretum. Among the many problems and environmental costs such a project would cause, the threat to birds is among the most significant. This point was made in a very thoughtful letter from Robert Grese, whose long career included serving as Director of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, to President Ono, the University Regents, and leadership politicians for the City of Ann Arbor. A specific focus on the potential effect on birds was also made in a personal letter to University and City leaders by Catherine Rising, who before retirement was an Associate Research Scientist of the University’s School for Environment and Sustainability.
Hoping to amplify these solid foundations for opposing a colossally disruptive train route through the Arb, Ann Arbor Wild Ones has now issued a formal statement and call to action to oppose it. Please read the statement using the link below (which also gives you a link to Professor Grese’s letter), and add your voice to the cause as you may be motivated to do. If you have questions - or ideas - feel free to contact me personally.
(I thought about putting “OT” in the subject line of this email, but then I decided not too, as it seems to me to be quite on topic for those who love birds.)
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Date: 11/19/24 10:50 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 1,292
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/18/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,Steve Jerant
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Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs
Observers: Daniel Lee, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Big thanks to Michael for taking over as Official Counter at mid day. It was also great to have help from Dan, Mike, Peter and Liz in observing and counting. It was good to meet Steve and Lisa from St Thomas who showed a great interest in the Hawk Watch. They have also attended the Hawk Cliff Hawk Watch.
Weather: A light wind today, starting in the southwest, switching to northwest briefly early morning then remaining generally southwest to south for the rest of the day. Scattered clouds initially, becoming overcast at the end of the day. Started with fog and low visibility (3km), becoming hazy and remaining reduced (8km) all day. Temperature starting at 7c rose to a comfortable 16c early afternoon, then slowly chilled. Pressure slowly fell by 4 points.
Raptor Observations: Sighting of the day was a mid morning American Goshawk, obligingly sitting in the trees by the shore to the west, then flying off west after being mobbed by a Cooper's Hawk. A very fast Merlin by the shore an hour later was also good to see. Otherwise another quiet day with Red-tailed Hawk (3) and Northern Harrier (3) jointly leading albeit a small pack of Turkey Vulture (2), Sharp-shinned Hawk (2) and a Cooper's Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: A good list today with the highlights of an overflight of a White-winged Crossbill and a late Short-eared Owl hunting over the marsh. Activity around the Tower was good with seven species of sparrow and over the tower with decent flights of American Goldfinch (164), Horned Lark (78), American Pipit (29) and Eastern Bluebird (26). Duck numbers were a bit lower today, but with reduced visibility, some may have been missed. Diversity was good with eleven species seen. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202960368
Predictions: The forecast is for rain in the morning tomorrow, clearing after midday. This will be accompanied by a moderate wind generally from the south. We will take a view tomorrow morning, but most likely start the count when it clears. Probably another quiet day, given the rain. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/18/24 4:07 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (18 Nov 2024) 25 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 18, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:15:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6.75 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jerry Jourdan, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Fog lifted ca. 09:15 AM, but it was still hazy until noon. In the morning, wind was so light, the flags hardly moved at all. Around 1 PM, it shifted to the south, but did not exceed 10 km/hour (6 mi/hr) at any given time. Temperature between +9 and +13C (48-55F). Barometric pressure was dropping steadily.
Raptor Observations: Low numbers. Red-tailed Hawks "outnumbered" other species again (14 of 25). It was nice to see Sharp-shins (5) and one Red-shouldered Hawk; both were absent from our counts for 4-5 days. A lone Turkey Vulture sailed over the canal, searching for his friends. Local Bald Eagles were active in late afternoon; two pairs were involved, perhaps in a territorial dispute. Earlier in the day, we saw a 4th year bird (in the fourth basic plumage, with dark remaining on the head and rectrices).
Non-raptor Observations: Corvids: 34 American Crows and one Blue Jay. A flock of ca. 50 Rusty Blackbirds by the wetland at the count site. American Tree Sparrow - 2.
Predictions: Rain (4-5 mm) is expected tomorrow, between 9 AM and 7 PM, most intensive in the morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/17/24 5:09 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (17 Nov 2024) 21 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 17, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 6 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Wind shifted between south and south-west; strong in the morning (29 km/hr), it slowed down to 14 km/hr by 3 PM (i.e., from 18 to 8 mi/hr). Temperature remained between +9 and +13C (48 to 55F). Mainly cloudy.
Raptor Observations: Today, we counted thrice as many raptors as in the last two days, but... it amounted only to twenty-one birds. Red-tailed Hawks ruled the roost; twelve were counted, including one very unafraid juvenile, which hunted from low perches around the parking lot. There was much excitement when three Turkey Vultures showed up over the sycamore around noon. Copper's Hawk and juvenile Bald Eagles (two of each) went looking to warmer climes or greener feeding grounds. Don spotted a Peregrine over Gibraltar; same (?) bird stooped at something and went out of view later in the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Five American Crows and a scores of other birds, including many American Robins. Bill and Michele spotted ca. 20 pipits flying overhead. A distant medium-sized shorebird was seen, but its identity is uncertain. Two Belted Kingfishers, inhabiting the area, have not yet decided on departure date.
Predictions: Light easterly winds and temperatures between +9 and +14C (48-57 F) are projected for tomorrow. Although easterly winds are favorable for raptor migration at this site, speeds below 10 km/hour (6 mi/hr) may be insufficient to motivate the remaining hawks to move on. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:30:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 6.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Kory Renaud, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Paul and Kory for keeping me company today. Some of the visitors to the tower showed an interest in the Hawk watch and the few remaining pelicans on the marsh.
Weather: The wind remained from the south but started moderate but reduced slightly in the afternoon. Overcast skies cleared very slightly in the late afternoon, allowing short bouts of sunshine. Temperature remained pretty much steady in low teens all day. Haze initially gradually cleared, improving visibility. Pressure fell 10 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day on the raptor front, with sightings of a single Merlin and Peregrine Falcon the high points. Red-tailed Hawks (5) were the most numerous with Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk at two a piece. A single Turkey Vulture floated by high to the north.
Non-raptor Observations: Ducks were again the main players today with twelve species seen. Gadwall (2230) and Mallard (1880) made up the majority with Ring-necked Duck (495) numbers decreasing. Fewer sparrow species were present around the tower, but it was good to see two Brown Creepers on a tree close to us. American Goldfinch (164) numbers are decreasing but it was a good day for Horned Larks (98). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202858911
Predictions: The forecast shows a northern component to the wind for the morning, switching south again in the afternoon. However the wind is light. Temperature will be about 10c under scattered clouds. Hopefully the wind from the north will bring a few more raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Andrew Wiebe, Jeremy Hatt, Kara Wiebe, Kiah Jasper, Kory Renaud, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: A huge thank you to Kiah (official Counter) and Alessandra for the awesome job you have done this season and the contribution you have both made to HBMO. They came to the tower for a couple of hours to say goodbye and to spot our 199th species of the season - Cave Swallow! Big thanks also to our observers of the day - Noel, Mike, Paul, Jeremy H, Kory, Liz, Andrew and Kara. Our volunteer observers also make up a vital part of the Hawk Watch.
Weather: Moderate wind from the north until midday, then became light from the south west. Overcast all day with the temperature around 10c. Visibility moderate but hazy initially. Pressure increased 4 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day on the raptor front with a total of seventeen seen. Red-tailed Hawks (5) just gained the top spot from Northern Harriers (4) and Turkey Vultures (4). Bald Eagle (2), a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Cooper's Hawk completed the tally.
Non-raptor Observations: The sighting of the day was two Cave Swallows hawking over the trees to the north east. American Goldfinch (752) flew past in good numbers and there was a good variety of other songbirds overhead, although in lower numbers including Horned Lark (19), Eastern Bluebird (6), Cedar Waxwing (26) American Pipit (14) and Pine Siskin (5). There were good numbers of sparrows around the Tower with six species seen including four Fox Sparrows. Duck numbers are starting to reduce with Mallard (1165) overtaking Gadwall (653). Ring-necked Duck (1592), though are maintaining their numbers The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202720982
Predictions: The forecast tomorrow is for moderate south west winds under an overcast sky with similar temperatures. We are unlikely to see many more raptors than today, but hopefully nature can always surprise. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/16/24 4:13 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (16 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 16, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Cloudy skies, calm conditions, up to +10C (50F). Although weather websites indicated light wind from North, East and West, it was not felt on the ground, and the flags hung limply in the still air.
Raptor Observations: No migrants counted. Several resident Bald Eagles, a Red-tail, and, probably, a Cooper's Hawk were seen in perches. Strange calm was in the air, and it seemed that raptors were reluctant to fly.
Non-raptor Observations: One Blue Jay, two or three Common Loons... and that was just about it. The bird of the day was American Tree Sparrow.
Predictions: A mix of sun and clouds, and stronger winds from the south-west are in weather forecast for tomorrow. We abstain from making any predictions on raptor migration, after seeing practically no raptors yesterday and none today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:30:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Ian Woodfield, Jeremy Bensette, Juliette Herdman, Michelle Mastellotto, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Quite a few observers came out today, despite the gloomy weather. There weren't many birds to count, but their company (and snacks!) were greatly appreciated. Thanks to Alessandra, Noel, Juliette, Mike, Peter, Michelle, Ian and Jeremy for coming out today.
This was also my last full day of counting for the season. It wasn't the sunny and birdy last day that I hoped for, but I was happy to spend it in the good company of the many new friends I've made this fall. It's been a great season and I wish the best of luck to all of the volunteers who will be finishing the last two weeks of the count.
Weather: Today was a dreary November day on the tower, with a low cloud layer that stuck around until the early afternoon. The temperature started off at 8 C and went up until 10.5 C in the afternoon. The wind started off from the WNW, then shifted NW later in morning. There was a lot of moisture in the air today, with a light fog over the lake and the pressure remained near 29.85.
Raptor Observations: We expected today to be a bit busier than it was for raptors, given we had favourable winds for most of the day. The dark sky and moisture in the air really had it's effect though. It didn't rain on the tower today, but several of our observers reported rain to our North and East on their drive in, so with that information the lack of flight made even more sense. The only migrating raptors observed today were 3 Sharp-shinned Hawks and 1 Northern Harrier. The local Red-tailed Hawks and Bald Eagles flew about, but never went too far.
With a total of 4 raptors today we were beat by the Detroit River Hawk Watch... who had 7. The season tally so far is 88,881 for Holiday and 78,426 for Detroit though, so we're winning in the long game : )
Non-raptor Observations: Today was quiet for non raptor movement as well. There were a number of birds around, but there wasn't much active migration today. American Goldfinches were the only species moving in numbers, with 775 counted. Singles of American Pipit, Snow Bunting, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin also passed by. Rusty Blackbirds, Winter Wrens and 5 species of sparrows (highlighted by 2 Fox Sparrows) foraged around the base of the tower all day, which gave us something to look at. 3 Great Egrets and 1 American White Pelican continue to be seen on the marsh as well, both late for this time of year. On Lake Erie lots of Red-breasted Mergansers flew back and forth, with several Horned Grebes and Common Loons mixed in with them. Our highlight bird today was a Long-tailed Duck that was seen sitting on the water on Lake Erie, the first record for HBMO and the 198th species we've recorded this fall. 60 species were observed from the tower today, for the eBird link click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202593991
Predictions: Tomorrow the wind is meant to start from the Northwest, then switch around to Southwest by mid morning. It will be very light (under 5kph) though so I don't expect that to impact the flight too much. The sky is meant to be mainly sunny tomorrow and the temperature around 10 degrees, so it should be a pleasant day on the tower. Hopefully there will be more birds flying! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/15/24 3:40 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (15 Nov 2024) 7 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 15, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast and high humidity all day long. Light winds, under 16 km/hour (10 mi/hr), turning gradually from West to north-west. Temperature steady between +9 and +11C (48-52F).
Raptor Observations: Uneventful. It rained all day yesterday, and birds were likely drenched and reluctant to fly. We counted only five Red-tailed Hawks and two juvenile Bald Eagles, outscoring Holiday Beach 7 to 4... We'd rather have it the other way around, but with the numbers multiplied by a hundred.
Non-raptor Observations: Fifty-nine (59) American Crows were seen today. However, most of them flew in the opposite direction, i.e., from this side of the river towards Gibraltar.
One male Northern Pintail, befriended by three local Mallards, visited the site in the morning, and almost 100 mergansers (of undetermined species) traveled upriver.
Bonaparte's Gulls, as always, were present on the scene, feeding. However, two of them went after a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk. The hawk fled across the river, with the loudly protesting gulls on its heels! One of the gulls likely scored a hit (or, at least, it looked that way from the ground). The hawk, shaken by such impudence, had to perch in a tree to collect itself.
Two Carolina Wrens inspected tires of all vehicles parked by the count site, likely assessing preparedness for the coming winter.
Other birds of interest included American Trees Sparrow and Junco.
Predictions: Honestly, we do not know what tomorrow has in store for us. It seems that wind forecast changes hourly. In the morning, they promised northerly winds all day long, but modified that prediction later in the day, now calling for southerly after 10 AM. Will that affect hawk count results? Definitely. Is raptor migration already over for 2024? We'll find out in the two remaining weeks of the count. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
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Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 10:00:00 Total observation time: 2 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers:
Visitors: No visitors in the park on this wet and stormy day.
Weather: Today was a very wet and windy day around the Holiday Beach area. I arrived at the tower at 08:00 to non ideal conditions... strong Southeast wind and heavy rain. Over the next two hours these conditions remained similar, wind gusting to 40kph from the SE, heavy to moderate rain and 7 Degrees C. The pressure sat at 29.88. After looking at radar at 10:00 I saw there was a high chance of rain continuing until after 14:00, so I called it a day.
Raptor Observations: No raptors were observed besides two local Bald Eagles.
Non-raptor Observations: Despite the rain there were some birds to be seen around the tower, though viewing was quite hard as my optics kept getting covered with rain droplets. 4 species of sparrows foraged around the base of the tower, as well as some Winter Wrens and Rusty Blackbirds. A single American White Pelican was spotted out in the marsh today, as well as 5 late season Great Egrets. All of the normal ducks were seen out in the marsh, with the highlight being Ruddy Duck and Common Goldeneye. 39 species were observed from the tower today, for the full list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202487139
Predictions: Tomorrow should be a better day, with higher pressure and light Northwest winds (no rain either!). The sky will likely be cloudy all day, which means we may have fewer birds moving with less thermals for them. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/13/24 5:42 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (13 Nov 2024) 109 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 13, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Wind! Consistent at 20-25kph from the ESE, it dictated the flight today. The sky started clear and became overcast in the afternoon, the temperature rose from 7 to 11 C, and the barometer dropped throughout the count.
Raptor Observations: Today was a Red-tail day. They flew reliably, with about 10 in each hour. Out of the 54 individuals spotted, I can only remember seeing three wing beats; no need for flapping with such a strong wind to push them onwards. They soared so high they seemed to materialize from the clouds, just before the tree line. Turkey Vulture came in three afternoon groups. They moved fast in the wind but did manage to stop and kettle, albeit only for a few seconds. Other species arrived in single digits: Coop, Harrier, Bald Eagle, and Red-shouldered.
Non-raptor Observations: A few crows were seen in the morning. 20 pelicans made an appearance over Canada in the afternoon.
Predictions: Rain is predicted for the duration of the count tomorrow. Hopefully we will find a break in the showers to count some birds.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Visitors: Thanks to Corinne for helping out all day today, taking a Volunteer day from work. Thanks to Liz, Mike, Noel and Juliette who also helped out observing. It was good to meet Catherine and Sheila who took an interest in the Hawk Count and birds on the marsh. A Group who are currently planting trees to enhance Prothonotary Warbler breeding habitat in the park were also able to see a Red-tailed Hawk brought to the tower by Chip and released.
Weather: Wind from the east moderate initially growing stronger in the afternoon. Temperature 2c initially rising to about 10c. Sky gradually became overcast by early afternoon. Visibility good, Pressure fell 16 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A bit different to yesterday, most of the flight was in the first three hours in the morning. Red-tailed Hawks (72) were the majority, with Turkey Vultures (15) a distant second. All the others didn't make it into double figures. It was good to spot two Golden Eagles, an early one at 8.48 and a late morning one at 10.52. A fast fly past of a Peregrine Falcon was also a highlight.
Non-raptor Observations: Flights of songbirds over Tower was much reduced with only American Goldfinches (218) reaching decent numbers. Blackbirds almost disappeared today with Rusty Blackbirds (74) the only species reaching double figures. American Crows (230) were also much reduced. It was nice to see a few Eastern Bluebirds perched in the trees to the east. With the exception of Gadwall (1684) and Mallard (1200) duck numbers have reduced, but diversity was again good with thirteen species seen. Hooded Merganser (3) were particularly active spending time flying around the marsh. The List is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202415534
Predictions: Rain is forecast for all day tomorrow with a moderate SE wind. We shall see whether it is worth undertaking the count but in any event not much is likely to be flying, unless the weather is different to the forecast. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/12/24 5:47 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (12 Nov 2024) 148 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 12, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Johannes Postma
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark.
While we value your company, please allow our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers to communicate with each other and maintain an
unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather:
We started today with overcast skies, but it began to clear around noon.
The barometer remained steady around 30.36inHg. Winds came from the NNE -
ENE at 14kph. The temperature rose from 5C to 9C. The lower temperatures
and wind definitely kept us chilly.
Raptor Observations:
It was a bit of a disappointment today. The weather conditions were
‘perfect’ but only 148 raptors were seen. Turkey Vulture claimed the
highest species count: 77 today. Red-tails came in second with 44. All
other species were seen in single digits: Harrier, Sharp-shin, Bald Eagle,
Coop, and Red-shouldered. A single Golden Eagle flew past nice and low in
the morning; the white in its wings was visible naked-eye.
Non-raptor Observations:
The morning brought crows in several large flocks; smaller numbers were
seen in the afternoon (2,755 total).
Predictions:
Tomorrow may be similar to today. Winds are predicted to be ESE around
15-20kph. The barometer will drop slightly and the temperature will be in
the 40s F.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:45:00 Total observation time: 8.75 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Chad Cornish, Jeremy Bensette, Larry Ludwicki, Liz Kent, Michael St. Pierre, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: A big thanks to Chad, Mike, Noel, Liz, Peter, Jeremy, Mike St P and Larry for all the help on what was a fairly busy day. It was good to see Heather and Alban, Rob from Ann Arbour and Neil from Detroit who all took an active part in the Hawk Watch.
Weather: Moderate to strong wind from the north initially, turning north east mid morning. Temperature around 8c, initially overcast but gradually clearing by early afternoon. Visibility good and pressure constant.
Raptor Observations: A good day. Big flight close to the tower mid morning of Red-tailed Hawk (226 day total) and Red-shouldered Hawk (75 day total), with Red shoulders leading the way initially. Then a reasonably constant 25 per hour Red-tails for the rest of the day with Red-Shoulders tailing off in the afternoon. Turkey Vultures came through in a few small groups in the middle of the day. Golden Eagles (6) flew past close to the shore in two groups late morning and late afternoon. Sharp-shinned Hawks (29), Coopers Hawks (27) and Northern Harriers (14) were spread throughout the day, accompanying the Buteos. A Rough-legged Hawk was a nice finish to the day.
Non-raptor Observations: Reasonable flights of American Goldfinch (337), Rusty Blackbird (408) and Cedar Waxwing throughout the day. American Crows (9850) seemed to pepper the sky constantly. Duck numbers have reduced a bit, with the exception of Gadwall and Mallard, but there was good diversity with twelve species seem. Dunlin (40) flew in and settled on the marsh for a time and it was good to see both American White Pelican (12) and Sandhill Crane flying by. A white-winged Crossbill was heard calling as it flew over at height near the end of the day. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S202313100.
Predictions: Tomorrow is forecast to be a similar day to today with one vital exception - the wind will be moderate from the east. This means the we will probably have fewer numbers than we did today, but not necessarily a different mix. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/12/24 4:15 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/11/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 541
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/11/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,
Steve Jerant
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Date: 11/11/24 5:25 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (11 Nov 2024) 14 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 11, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers:
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Westerly winds, constantly shifting between south-west and west; up to 26 km/hr (16 mi/hr). Overcast, but some clear sky around 3 PM. Temperature up to +13C (55F).
Raptor Observations: A rather disappointing day with only 14 raptors seen.
All three species of Accipiter (or, if you prefer, two Astur and one Accipiter) were observed between 11 AM and noon. Although I entered the juvenile Goshawk in the form, I begin to wonder whether it was the bird seen at the count site last Monday, and a day earlier in Gibraltar.
The American Goshawk is a rare guest in this area. Perhaps this juvenile will stay for the winter, or at least, for a while; it seems to be patrolling a territory. Look for an accipiter the size of small buteo.
Non-raptor Observations: Fifty-five American Crows and one Blue Jay counted. Carolina Wren was heard singing after a few days of silence. Several solitary Killdeer in the air. A small tern (probably Common Tern) was seen chasing a Cooper's Hawk!
Predictions: Clear skies and cool temperatures (up to +9C) are forecast for November 12th, along with strong northeastern winds.. If this comes true, then tomorrow might be a day to witness perhaps the last big wave of passing raptors this fall. However, wind forecasts were not very relaible lately. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Visitors:
Thanks to Mike, Hugh, Liz, Juliette, and Noel for helping out today. Chuck
and Lucretia visited us from Michigan to help spot birds for most of the
morning. For Remembrance Day, a 2 minute silence was given at 11:00 to
remember the fallen.
Weather:
The morning started off at 8 degrees C, with strong winds out of the
southwest and an overcast sky. For the remainder of the day, the winds were
very strong (25-40 kph) out of the southwest, increasing as the day went
on. The temperature increased in the afternoon, but with the windchill it
often felt colder on the tower. The sky was overcast all day in a classic
November fashion with dark looming clouds rolling overhead. Sunshine broke
through occasionally, though it was only small blue pockets and never
remained very long. The pressure was very low today, averaging around
29.60.
Raptor Observations:
It was a slow day for raptors on the tower, though much better than
yesterday! In the morning we saw several Northern Harriers, Sharp-shinned
Hawks and Cooper’s Hawks fly past the tower, which kept us entertained.
Two groups of Turkey Vultures passed by today but besides that there was
little activity. Our highlights were two Merlins, and one Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations:
The high wind led to an overall lower day for species diversity, with a
much reduced morning songbird flight. American Goldfinch (148), Cedar
Waxwing (195), and Rusty Blackbird (554) were the only three species that
were moving in numbers. Two American White Pelicans linger in the marsh and
it seems the large numbers have have moved on. Five late Tree Swallows flew
by in the morning, and despite my best efforts I couldn’t turn them into
the much desired Cave Swallow. Other highlights today include 4 Great
Egrets, and 5 Sandhill Cranes. 53 species were observed from the tower
today (not including migrating raptors). EBird list available here -
https://ebird.org/checklist/S202211641
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks like it will be a good day on the tower with moderate North
winds and partial sunny skies. We expect a nice push of raptors after
they’ve been held back by poor weather for the past several days.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>)
Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/10/24 1:13 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (10 Nov 2024) Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 10, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 12:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 2.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers:
Visitors: 0
Weather: It rain heavily in the morning, and the count was cancelled. Rain turned to light fog before noon, but drizzle resumed ca. 14:20 hrs. Winds from the southwest at 11-14 km/hr (up to 8.5 mi/hr). Temperature up to +14C (57F).
Raptor Observations: No raptors were seen today during a count attempt between noon and 14:30 hrs.
Non-raptor Observations: One Great Egret, several Bonaparte's and Ring-billed Gulls, Canada Geese and hybrid Mallards... and that was all.
Predictions: A mix of sun and clouds, no rain and westerly winds are forecast for tomorrow. We expect that hawk migrating will resume, likely in late morning. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 13:00:00 Total observation time: 5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Paul for coming out to help with the count despite the weather, and for hanging in there all the way until 13:00 just in case birds were flying.
Weather: Overnight a large rainstorm passed over southern Ontario, continuing on through the morning when I arrived. For the first hour of the count the rain was too heavy to see much of anything, with very limited visibility. The rain got gradually lighter after that, ending completely by 10:30. After that a thick fog hung in the air, only getting thicker as the day went on. The temperature went from 9 C to 13 C, and the wind remained out of the South all day ( max 25kph). The pressure dropped from 29.95 to 29.92.
Raptor Observations: Only two birds were observed today, a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a Northern Harrier. Those came in a brief period when conditions began improving before 11:00, but that didn't last long. We ended the count for the day at 13:00, because the fog was getting even thicker and there wasn't anything flying.
Non-raptor Observations: It was very sparse on the non raptor front today as well, with no morning passerine flight due to the rain. Seeing out into the marsh was also hard with the visibility, so we recorded much lower than normal waterfowl numbers. There were lots of sparrows feeding around the base of the tower though, highlighted by a single Fox Sparrow. Other highlights included a flock of Rusty Blackbirds and a singing Winter Wren. Only 39 species were recorded from the tower today. (37 not including the hawks). For the eBird list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S202073141
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be mainly cloudy with a chance of sun in the afternoon, strong wind from the West/Southwest and cool temperatures (high of 12 C). We don't expect a large flight, but there's no rain in the way so birds should still be moving. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/9/24 4:56 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (09 Nov 2024) 320 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 09, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jerry Jourdan, Johannes Postma
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: A mix of sun and cloud in the morning; mainly cloudy later in the day. Easterly winds shifted to southerly before noon. Temperature remained at ca. +12C (54F), but it felt colder due to strong winds reaching 21 km/hour (13 mi/hr).
Raptor Observations: And so it fell out that today, the number of Red-tailed Hawks outnumbered those of Turkey Vultures, and Cooper's Hawks' of their Sharp-shinned cousins.
The day, with much anticipated easterly winds, began with great promise! Between 10 and 11 AM, the team counted 112 Red-tailed Hawks (the highest per hour count of the species at the site this year) and ten Golden Eagles!
And then... the wind, quite unexpectedly, shifted to the south... None of that was in the forecast, unless the forecast was changed at a quarter to eleven.
Five hours of low raptor activity followed.
In the last hour, it became apparent that 85% of our today sightings were made before to 11 AM.
The accipiter photographed yesterday was assigned to Cooper's, by consensus, admitting that it was a large immature female.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crows came in two waves between 09:00 and 11:00 AM. At least 1,594 were counted. We also saw five Canvasback, two Tree Swallows, and... a Red Admiral butterfly!
Predictions: Strong southern winds and rain are forecast for tomorrow; heavier rain will fall during morning hours. Under these conditions, we do not expect to see many raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Cameron Chevalier, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Cameron, Harrison, Noel, Paul and Peter for assisting with the count today. We were visited by Pam from Brantford, who enjoyed watching Bald Eagles migrate overhead.
Weather: Today we had a cold start on the tower, with the temperature just above 0 C. The winds were from the East/ENE/NE all morning, ranging between 5-15kph. Around 11:00 the wind picked up speed (20kph) and shifted East again, but then to the South/Southeast, where it remained for the rest of the day. The sky was was totally clear blue in the morning, then increasingly cloud cover moved in during the afternoon (max of 80%). The temperature went up to 12 C later in the day, but fell again when the clouds moved in. The barometer sat at 30.19, but dropped 4 points during the last hour of the count.
Raptor Observations: With favourable winds in the morning we had high hopes for a good flight. After a quiet first hour and a half things started to pick up a bit, then we recorded an early flying Golden Eagle at 08:40. This was the first one we've seen before 11am this season. Later in the morning we recorded 4 more goldens (all at once!) and also two Rough-legged Hawks. One of the roughies was a dark morph and flew relatively close by the tower, the first close one we've had this fall. Once the wind switched after 11:00 the flight really began to die down and move inland. After 13:00 we were only recording around 20 birds per hour, and when dark clouds rolled in near 15:00 the temperature dropped and really killed activity (leading us to end an hour early). We still recorded decent numbers today despite the conditions, including 1 Peregrine Falcon, 143 Red-tailed Hawk, 9 Bald Eagle and 18 Sharp-shinned Hawk. The 9 Northern Harriers recorded today pushed us over 1,000 total for the season, a good count and not something that happens annually here.
Non-raptor Observations: The songbird flight today was quieter than the past several days, though there was still decent diversity. Highlights included; 175 American Pipit, 2 Lapland Longspur, 5 White-winged Crossbill, 11 Pine Siskin and 47 Eastern Bluebird. 12 Snow Buntings were a nice treat, our first recorded this season. American White Pelican and Great Egret numbers have really dropped off, with 2 and 5 individuals spotted respectively. At one point in the morning all the ducks were flushed over the marsh, allowing us to see how many are really out there. We estimated over 8,000 birds, comprised mainly of Ring-necked Duck, Gadwall and Mallard. Other highlights today included; American Woodcock, Great Horned Owl and Lesser Black-backed Gull. For the 3rd day in a row we recorded 76 species total, and also 66 non migrating raptors... Despite the days being quite different overall! HBMO eBird list here https://ebird.org/checklist/S201939397
Predictions: The forecast for tomorrow looks bleak... very bleak. There is meant to be considerable rain in the morning, possibly lasting into the afternoon as well. Rain aside the wind is from the South all day, which isn't good for raptor flight. We don't expect large numbers, but you never know what could happen if it clears up. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/9/24 1:56 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Thanks. Banding in my yard today (Inkster Banding Station), I recaptured
two juncos that I'd banded in previous winters, one in December 2023 and
one in December 2022. I also recaptured a Blue Jay that I banded in 2019.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 4:18 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> Got it. Thanks Allen and good luck on Belle Isle.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:17:07 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall
> of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that
> IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have
> been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
>
> So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the
> Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration,
> hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter
> hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
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> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
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> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
>
Date: 11/9/24 1:18 pm From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Got it. Thanks Allen and good luck on Belle Isle.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:17:07 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration, hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
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Wow! What an incredible sight that must have been!!
Sent from my iPhone
> On Nov 9, 2024, at 10:44 AM, Dody Wyman <dody...> wrote:
>
> Yesterday along Parker Road south of Scio Church Road, I saw two mature bald eagles quite low - presumably both male. They were circling each other and then locked talons and flew in circles as they lost what little altitude they had. They split just before hitting the ground and flew off.
>
> I have heard about this and read about it, but never seen it myself. A spectacular sight against a blue sky and only about 100 feet off the road and 100 feet above the ground.
>
> Dody
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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Date: 11/9/24 11:17 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Just to clarify, I have not banded at Lake St. Clair Metropark since fall
of 2023, long before the Bald Eagle nest showed up. My statement was that
IF we had been allowed to continue our research into 2025, it MIGHT have
been curtailed anyway because of this nest.
So, the only banding I am doing now is winter banding (Oct-Mar) at the
Inkster Banding Station, on Belle Isle in spring and fall migration,
hummingbird banding across southern Michigan in summer and fall, and winter
hummingbird banding (Sep-Jan) in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
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> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 10:29 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
The last I heard about you and LSCMP was that they (and the HCMP directors) had made things very difficult for you and were calling a halt to your research at LSCMP. Now it sounds like they’re allowing you to continue a while longer. If I sound confused it’s because I’m confused.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 12:25:29 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
None of what you said is correct. I'm done at LSCMP.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024, 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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Date: 11/9/24 9:25 am From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
None of what you said is correct. I'm done at LSCMP.
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024, 12:00 PM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have
> been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of
> continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP.
> Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025
> despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which
> they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you
> to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they
> wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the
> area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to)
> say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to
> me.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
> *To:* Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
> *Cc:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Fred,
>
> With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
> been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
> 2025.
>
> Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
>
> On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
>
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFoKnJWyes4-JF0h0iYFNY92RafTByXRYhZzwYA875n6%3DbMr%<3DQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 9:25 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: [birders] Re: Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Until our governmental agencies decide on a unified path and stop trying to be all-things-to-all-people, natural systems will continue their decay. Months ago I signed up for all the MDNR newsletters. Since then I’ve learned they support conflicting agendas on multiple fronts. Everything from “Bobcat Harvesting” to “Wildlife Conservation”. From “Urban Forestry” to “Sustainable Logging” and “Soil Conservation” to”Selling mineral leases in State Parks”. We have a family friend who works for the DNR who (as part of the job) makes visits to the properties of commercial businesses (the clients) and advises them on pollinators and native host plants (to increase Berry and Cherry production for human use) because right now, they only have to broadcast insect hormone disrupters twice a year to kill everything they don’t like! Ever-expanding humanity and an intact natural world seemingly can’t exist simultaneously. Yes, informed people are depressed people.
________________________________
From: Neubig, Richard <rneubig...>
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:29:19 AM
To: <birders...> <birders...>
Subject: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
All,
My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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Date: 11/9/24 9:00 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
When you said you started a new banding station on Belle Isle and have been operating there since last month, I thought that meant INSTEAD of continuing at LSCMP and not IN ADDITION to your operations at LSCMP. Apparently the HCMP authorities are letting you work at LSCMP through 2025 despite the apparent establishment of a Bald Eagle nest in the area (which they are justifiably very protective of). I’m glad they are allowing you to want you wanted to do then. Earlier I was remembering a time when they wanted you to stop. Perhaps the whole reason they wanted you out of the area was because of the Eagle nest but they couldn’t (or didn’t want to) say anything for fear of attracting attention to it? Sounds plausible to me.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 5:30:39 PM
To: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...>
Cc: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in 2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...><mailto:<fkaluza...>> wrote:
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...><mailto:<amazilia3...>> Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...><mailto:<birders...>> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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Date: 11/9/24 8:04 am From: 'Marta Manildi' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Thank you so much for this note, Rick, on a really important topic. Native plants are critical in saving insect and bird species, as well as doing all the good they do for soil and water health and climate mitigation. I am currently serving as President of Ann Arbor Wild Ones, “A2WO”. We educate and advocate for replacing turf grass and invasive species in particular, and other non-native species when you get used to the idea, in all yards, business campuses, and public spaces, for just the reasons you summarize so well. Dr. Tallamy teaches and inspires us, and also sits on our national Board of Directors.
A recent local issue that we are engaging with touches the common interests shared by native plant advocates and birders. As some on this list may know already, the University of Michigan is planning a massive campus overhaul that will include a “Campus Connector”. This giant raised monorail is proposed to be routed, in part, through Nichols Arboretum and then across the planted buffer area between Medical Center Drive and Fuller Road. Specifically, the route would enter the Arb at the top of the steep ravine (known to some as School Girls’ Glen) on the west end of the Arb running downhill from the peony garden area. The ravine is a favorite of many bird species, especially during migrations, and the trail above the ravine is naturally a favorite of birders. I am not even sure how to envision the monorail as it is supposed to cross the river (where yesterday I saw a Cormorant sitting on a snag out over the River, slowly flapping his wings, I imagine drying them after a dive). But cross the river it must on this proposed route, and then it would bisect the planted buffer area between the river and Fuller Road, which is also an important respite area for birds.
I mention all this here because it seems to me like an issue that should be of great concern to birders, and I wonder if some partnership might be possible between A2WO and Washtenaw Bird and Nature in opposing this threat to an important urban refuge for birds and humans. The case is made powerfully in a letter from Robert Grese (a founder and former President of Ann Arbor Wild Ones) to President Ono and others, which I attach here. Advocacy might also extend to the City of Ann Arbor, which actually owns the land that is at issue, under some long-ago agreement between the City and the University that I have not yet been able to track down. See https://www.a2gov.org/departments/Parks-Recreation/parks-places/Pages/Arboretum.aspx.
I would be happy to receive comments or ideas, as well as to think more generally about how A2WO might partner with Washtenaw Bird and Nature in spreading the good word on native plants.

Yours truly,
Marta
Marta Manildi
President, Ann Arbor Wild Ones

> On Nov 9, 2024, at 9:29 AM, Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
>
> All,
>
> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>
> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>
> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
>
> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
>
> Scary!
> Rick
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org <http://www.glc.org/> > ---
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Date: 11/9/24 7:44 am From: Dody Wyman <dody...> Subject: [birders] Bald Eagles
Yesterday along Parker Road south of Scio Church Road, I saw two mature bald eagles quite low - presumably both male. They were circling each other and then locked talons and flew in circles as they lost what little altitude they had. They split just before hitting the ground and flew off.
I have heard about this and read about it, but never seen it myself. A spectacular sight against a blue sky and only about 100 feet off the road and 100 feet above the ground.
Dody
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Date: 11/9/24 7:36 am From: Susan Schneider <susanschneider7...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
Hear, hear, Rick and Briana! Tallamy's book *Nature's Best Hope* is a
classic. For the severe insect declines that are having such an impact on
birds, I can recommend Oliver Milman's *The Insect Crisis *and Dave
Goulson's *Silent Earth*. Both books came out in 2022. I've planted
natives for years, and you can easily see the difference.
Environmentally,
Susan
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 10:24 AM Briana <designsbybriana...> wrote:
> The Nature of Oaks is an amazing book everyone should read. It isn’t to
> scare people but to state the facts and spur people to make a difference,
> even if they have a small lot.
>
> We have a large property and we are ripping out the invasives every fall
> and winter (we have invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive, multi flora rose
> and buckthorn) and planting natives. Many of the invasive shrubs produce a
> chemical that prevents other things from growing around it. When we remove
> them we are noticing a large increase of native plants growing in its place
> like native dogwoods and trees.
>
> Did you also know that invasive shrubs that produce berries are mostly all
> sugar and no protein. Our native trees and bushes that produce berries are
> full of protein and what migrants need for that long flight.
>
> The biggest takeaway from this book is that there is a list of keystone
> species. These species support the largest amount of bugs, therefore
> supporting the largest amount of wildlife. You can google keystone species
> and find the best ones near you.
> https://homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-trees-and-shrubs/ >
> I use PictureThis app to identify trees, shrubs and plants. I do pay $30 a
> year but there is also iNaturalist and seek which is free. Those apps have
> taught me what to look for.
>
> This book was super interesting. He has other similar books like this that
> you also may enjoy!
>
>
>
> Briana Fisher
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:29 AM Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
>
>> All,
>>
>>
>>
>> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some
>> particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should
>> all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>>
>>
>>
>> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in
>> hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native)
>> hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and
>> 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>>
>>
>>
>> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other
>> plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the
>> fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass
>> on non-natives. If a yard had *less than 70% natives*, Carolina
>> Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain
>> replacement levels of breeding.
>>
>>
>>
>> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives
>> can have a major impact.
>>
>>
>>
>> Scary!
>>
>> Rick
>>
>> --
>> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
>> www.glc.org
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Birders" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAN98bW4hwvxZzRa4Tj0NmP5PNf%3DfznMnqOWK%3DRt-N3u%<3DFp3fYw...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAN98bW4hwvxZzRa4Tj0NmP5PNf%3DfznMnqOWK%3DRt-N3u%<3DFp3fYw...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
--
Susan M. Schneider, PhD
Western Michigan University
Climate activist, behavioral psychologist, and award-winning author of *The
Science of Consequences* - now available in Spanish
http://www.scienceofconsequences.com - includes my annotated list of 50
climate book recommendations.
We need "rapid, deep and in most cases immediate greenhouse gas emission
reductions" - 2023 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change, calling for a 43% cut by 2030, compared to 2019. Please do what
you can. A liveable future depends on us.
Date: 11/9/24 7:24 am From: Briana <designsbybriana...> Subject: Re: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
The Nature of Oaks is an amazing book everyone should read. It isn’t to
scare people but to state the facts and spur people to make a difference,
even if they have a small lot.
We have a large property and we are ripping out the invasives every fall
and winter (we have invasive honeysuckle, autumn olive, multi flora rose
and buckthorn) and planting natives. Many of the invasive shrubs produce a
chemical that prevents other things from growing around it. When we remove
them we are noticing a large increase of native plants growing in its place
like native dogwoods and trees.
Did you also know that invasive shrubs that produce berries are mostly all
sugar and no protein. Our native trees and bushes that produce berries are
full of protein and what migrants need for that long flight.
The biggest takeaway from this book is that there is a list of keystone
species. These species support the largest amount of bugs, therefore
supporting the largest amount of wildlife. You can google keystone species
and find the best ones near you.
https://homegrownnationalpark.org/keystone-trees-and-shrubs/
I use PictureThis app to identify trees, shrubs and plants. I do pay $30 a
year but there is also iNaturalist and seek which is free. Those apps have
taught me what to look for.
This book was super interesting. He has other similar books like this that
you also may enjoy!
On Sat, Nov 9, 2024 at 9:29 AM Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> wrote:
> All,
>
>
>
> My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some
> particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should
> all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
>
>
>
> First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in
> hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native)
> hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and
> 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
>
>
>
> Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other
> plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the
> fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass
> on non-natives. If a yard had *less than 70% natives*, Carolina
> Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain
> replacement levels of breeding.
>
>
>
> This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can
> have a major impact.
>
>
>
> Scary!
>
> Rick
>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<IA0PR12MB8256F4CFA299CDE7C36B16DEAB5E2...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/9/24 6:29 am From: Neubig, Richard <rneubig...> Subject: [birders] Native plants, caterpillars, and birds
All,
My wife is reading Doug Tallamy’s new book on Oaks. He cites some particularly scary data. I know I’m preaching to the choir but we should all be planting natives and get our friends to do so also.
First in a study (2018) on how non-natives have replaced natives in hedgerows (think honeysuckle), the data are striking. “novel (non-native) hedgerows had 68% fewer caterpillar species, 91% fewer caterpillars, and 96% less caterpillar biomass than native hedgerows.”
Also, in yards with different extents of non-native shrubs and other plants, the viability of bird survival was strikingly related to the fraction of native shrubs – presumably due to the very low food insect mass on non-natives. If a yard had less than 70% natives, Carolina Chickadees had much smaller brood sizes and couldn’t even maintain replacement levels of breeding.
This shows how even modest replacement of native plants by non-natives can have a major impact.
Scary!
Rick
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Birders" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
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Date: 11/8/24 7:10 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (08 Nov 2024) 553 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 08, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Johannes Postma, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Westerly winds, shifting between West and North-west, up to 24 km per hour (15 mi/hr). Temperature rose from +9C in the morning to +16C in late afternoon (48 to 61F).
Raptor Observations: Slight improvement from yesterday, by ca. two hundred birds. Steady, but rather sparse trickle of Turkey Vultures (the largest kettles were of 30-35). Twice as many Red-shouldered Hawks as on Thursday, but only a third of Golden Eagles. The number of Red-tails was similar. Cooper's Hawks seem to be on the move; we recorded almost as many of them as of Sharp-shins (9 vs. 10). A large raptor, either a large Cooper's Hawk or small Goshawk crossed the river and circled overhead. The bird was photographed, but the jury is still out. Please stay tuned.
Non-raptor Observations: We counted 281 American Crows (280 of them flew between 11 AM and noon). Also of interest were female Pintail, a flock of 20 Killdeer, and two groups of Great Egrets (35-40 total) which crossed the river over Gibraltar.
Predictions: Easterly winds and cool temperatures are expected tomorrow. It may be a nearly ideal day for migrating raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Aldo Bertucci, Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Peter, Aldo, Mike, Hugh and Liz for helping me with the count today. We were visited by Joan from LaSalle, Heather from British Columbia and Harrison (formerly from Essex).
Weather: The day started off at 6 degrees C, with a totally clear sky and wind from the West. True to the forecast, the wind remained out of the West (at 5-20kph) for for the whole day, shifting briefly to the NWN on several occasions. The temperature went up to a maximum of 16 degrees C in the afternoon, though it felt warmer in the sun. The pressure dropped from 29.98 to 29.94.
Raptor Observations: Despite the less favourable conditions compared to yesterday, we still had a great day on the tower. It started off with a push of Cooper's Hawks first thing in the morning, which was a bit strange because I saw 5 before seeing my first Sharp-shinned Hawk of the day. Activity was quiet until 10:30, when a slow but steady stream of buteos and other raptors started passing by. With the wind occasionally shifting to WNW we saw periodical increases in raptor movement along the shoreline, with the flight actually being much closer than yesterday on average. We recorded 17 Golden Eagles today, 7 of them almost directly overhead. Just before we finished for the day a golden flew right by us just above eye level, going right past the moon too! With today's Golden Eagles we have passed the 100 mark for the season. To top things off we had a nice dark morph Rough-legged Hawk to end the day.
Non-raptor Observations: There was once again a very strong songbird flight in the morning, though the diversity was quite different compared with yesterday. Today the main species were American Pipit and Horned Lark, whereas yesterday there were many more Eastern Bluebirds and finches. Highlights of morning flight included; 6 Lapland Longspur, 1 Eastern Meadowlark, 179 Cedar Waxwing, 39 Pine Siskin, 847 American Pipit, 686 Horned Lark, 4 Yellow-rumped Warbler and 9 Tree Swallow. 28 American White Pelicans visited the marsh today, with small groups coming and leaving frequently. Other highlights from today included; 27 Tundra Swan, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 22 Great Egrets. 76 species were recorded from the tower today. HBMO eBird list here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S201820266
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be another fairly sunny day on the tower, with a high of 11 C and wind from the East. The flight will really depend on how much the wind shifts Southeast (bad) or Northeast (good). Either way it should be another enjoyable day on the tower! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:30:00 Total observation time: 9.5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Alessandra Kite, Chuck Sharbaugh, Jeremy Bensette, Juliette Herdman, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Noel, Juliette, Alessandra, Chuck and Jeremy for helping with the count today. We were visited by Dawn from Ohio, Mike from Lakeshore, Heather and Alban from Windsor as well as Lou and Toni from Windsor.
Weather: I was happy to see the wind was coming from the Northwest when I arrived at the tower at 8am... it was very light, but the direction was good! It was a very dark and grey morning, with thick clouds above us and a thin line of blue sky above the treeline to the west. That line of blue grew gradually as the morning went on, finally clearing up to be a beautiful sunny day around 11:30. The wind remained out of the North for longer than expected given the forecast, but eventually it did shift to the South by 12:30, where it remained for the rest of the day. It was a pleasant day for temperature on the tower, starting at 9 C and rising to 15 C in the afternoon. The pressure changed only slightly, sitting close to 30.10 for most of the day.
Raptor Observations: There are a few days each season that always stand out just a bit more than the rest, when the weather is enjoyable, bird diversity is high and there's a sense of excitement in the air. Today was one of those days, definitely in my top 10 days of the season. The day started off very quiet for raptors, with only a few birds recorded per hour for the first few hours (the songbird flight made up for it though). When the clouds started to break up around 10:30 we began seeing raptors moving in numbers, though they quickly gained elevation and were very high by 11:00. Our first Golden Eagle of the day glided overhead at 11:11, followed by another ten minutes later. After 12:00 the words "there's another Golden!" became commonplace on the tower, with a new bird appearing on the horizon every 10-15 minutes. The "golden hours" continued on until almost the end of the count, though the birds grew more infrequent and distant as the afternoon went on. We ended up recording 28 Golden Eagles, the 5th highest total in the 50 years of the count. Of course on days like these the eagles are the big highlights, but there were also lots of other birds moving to keep us busy. We saw 2 Rough-legged Hawks, 1 of them a gorgeous dark morph bird. Red-tailed Hawk (340), Red-shouldered Hawk (61), Sharp-shinned Hawk and Northern Harrier were also present in good numbers. 3 Merlin were a nice treat as well, 1 to start off the day and 2 near the end.
Non-raptor Observations: The morning was very active for songbird flight on the tower, which was good timing because there weren't many raptors flying. The high cloud cover for the first several hours of the day was great to spot passing songbirds against, making counting easier. Highlights of the flight included; 323 Horned Lark, 177 Eastern Bluebird, 348 American Pipit, 4 White-winged Crossbill, 42 Purple Finch, 1,329 American Goldfinch, 3 Lapland Longspur and over 8,000 blackbirds. At least 26 American White Pelicans continue to be seen in the marsh, though much less reliably than during the past several weeks. Other highlights today included; 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull, 19 Great Egret and 1 Greater Yellowlegs. 76 species were observed from the tower today. HBMO eBird checklist available here https://ebird.org/checklist/S201718971
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be another nice, sunny day with a high of 15 C. The wind will mainly be from the West, possibly shifting Northwest later in the day. If the wind does shift to be Northerly we could see good movement. If it stays Westerly there will likely be lower numbers compared to today, but still a nice flight. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/7/24 3:07 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (07 Nov 2024) 360 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 07, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00
Observation end time: 16:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess
Observers: Don Sherwood, Frank Kitakis, Jerry Jourdan, Jo Patterson,
Johannes Postma, Rosemary Brady
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie MetroPark.
We are willing to spread the gospel with pamphlets and information cards,
along with tips on IDing the raptors, and photography tips for those behind
the cameras. Let us share our enthusiasm for this miracle of nature with
you.
Weather:
All hawk watches are dependent on the vagaries of the winds. Today, the
winds were especially vagarious and we watched the flight line change from
over the lake in the morning hours to the opposite side of the sky in the
afternoon. The day started with solid stratus overcast skies directly above
us but blue skies off to the west. The morning winds took care of that in a
hurry, ushering the clouds out over the lake and leaving us with a few
cumulus clouds of little mass that were soon to be distant memories as a
dome of blue took procession of the ether. Winds were all over the map as
the wind turbines in Canada were having difficulty keeping up. Essentially,
they traveled around the top half of the compass from northwest to south
with lulls and increases thrown in for good measure. Of course, the default
afternoon direction is south, which tends to move the birds further to the
north of us and makes our mission harder to accomplish. Not our favorite
wind and our count probably suffered due to that, along with the early
morning northwest wind which favors our colleagues at Holiday Beach. The
temperatures were in the mid-fifties range and the barometer was high after
rebounding from the rainy low-pressure that moved through a couple of
nights ago.
Raptor Observations:
It isn’t often that golden eagles earn a podium finish but it happened
today. Red-tailed hawks were in the mood to move as the high-pressure area
winds after the low were in their wheelhouse for migration. We counted one
hundred and sixty-four of them. I think we probably left some on the table
due to the unfavorable shifts in the winds. Turkey vultures have nearly run
their race as the October numbers dwindle down to triple digits. One
hundred and thirty-eight made the clicker today. Golden eagles were on the
third step of the podium with twenty-one handsome specimens flying by. The
clear skies and good light helped us to ID these magnificent birds from a
distance, although some were close when the winds were right. We often talk
about the “four o’clock golden eagles” and today, three of them
showed up as our final birds. Good ole sharpies came in next, with nine of
them finding their way south. Northern harriers mustered four birds, one a
gray ghost. Three bald eagles were migrants, but plenty of locals seemed to
be up playing talon tag in the morning hours. We missed the falcon hat
trick today for want of a peregrine, but we did have one each of the merlin
and kestrel species. Also in single digits was a dark-morph rough-legged
hawk.
Non-raptor Observations:
White pelicans were seen over the lake today but only four in number, a
mere pittance by their standards. Outnumbering them were the mute swans who
mustered five in a late flyby. A pair of red-bellied woodpeckers were
playing chase in the nearby maple tree. Rusty blackbirds were reported
nearby. Bonaparte’s gulls are keeping the ring-billed and herring gulls
company. Cormorants were still migrating and being observed as single birds
nearby. A lot of ducks of unknown heritage were up stretching their wings
today in the distant skies. Crows were very much in evidence today with
nearly seven thousand being counted.
Predictions:
Tomorrow looks to be similar to today in appearance, with mostly clear
skies, a fractionally warmer temperature and similar barometric pressure.
Winds are predicted to be from the west, turning northwest later in the
day, but who knows what will really transpire. Wind speeds are predicted to
climb from ten mph at the beginning of the watch, peak at twelve mph, and
then drop slightly as the watch ends. The winds do not particularly favor
our site but golden eagles don’t seem to care about no stinking wind so
maybe they will continue their pilgrimage through our area tomorrow.
Fingers crossed.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 11/7/24 2:30 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Fred,
With the new Bald Eagle nest at Lake St. Clair Metropark, I might not have
been able to finish my planned final (and 20th) year of banding there in
2025.
On Thu, Nov 7, 2024 at 8:50 AM Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> wrote:
> Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has
> accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be
> interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is
> one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP.
> I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
> ------------------------------
> *From:* Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
> *Sent:* Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
> *To:* BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
> *Subject:* [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
>
> Birders,
>
> Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on
> Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this
> station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes
> research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have
> posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u
> Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
>
> http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html > Allen T. Chartier
> Inkster, Michigan
> Email: <amazilia3...>
> Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mihummingbirdguy/collections/ > Website/Blog: http://mihummingbirdguy.blogspot.com/ >
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<CAFoKnJU0CH6G6hpAUXz37s6xMVZnzeHCcDra3pLrv1URm66v8w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 11/7/24 5:50 am From: Fred Kaluza <fkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Congratulations Allen. It’s great to hear the State Park System has accommodated you where the HCMP has recently failed. It will be interesting to see how different the data is between the two sites which is one metric you would never been able to collect had you remained at LSCMP. I just hope it’s a shorter drive for you. That would be a plus.
________________________________
From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...>
Sent: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 7:42:56 PM
To: BIRDERS@UMICH <birders...>
Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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Date: 11/6/24 4:43 pm From: Allen Chartier <amazilia3...> Subject: [birders] Fall 2024 Bird Banding blog updated
Birders,
Beginning on October 5, 2024, I started a new bird banding station on Belle Isle (a State Park) in the Detroit River. The plan is for this station to continue well into the future, with a mission that includes research, education, and participation by underserved communities. I have posted the results of the first fall season at this new station. Visit ,u Bird Banding Blog to view results and photo highlights:
Date: 11/6/24 4:15 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (06 Nov 2024) 82 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 06, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. While we value your company, please allow our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers to communicate with each other and maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Today brought us partially cloudy skies, temperatures between 16C and 21C, a steadily rising barometer, and a moderate breeze from the West.
Raptor Observations: We squeezed out a few more birds than we did yesterday. The species diversity was also much improved. Today, we spotted Turkey Vulture, Bald Eagle, Cooper's, Sharp-shin, Red-tail, Red-shouldered, and a Peregrine; the red-tail and vulture broke into double digits.
Non-raptor Observations: Several Mute Swan and Bonaparte's Gull visited the boat launch. Two swans were seen displaying together. Gizzard Shad frequently breached the water's surface.
Predictions: Tomorrow we should see some clouds in the morning, giving way to a sunny afternoon. The wind is looking rather favorable: NNW at 10-15kph. The temperature should stay in the 50s F and the pressure is predicted to remain steady around 30.25inHg. These conditions are the best we have had all week. Fingers crossed for a good flight! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Juliette Herdman, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Juliette and Noel helping out observing and counting today. There were only a few visitors to the tower.
Weather: There was a moderate, sometimes light wind from the west south west all day. Starting overcast the sky cleared gradually to about 20% cloud cover. The temperature was again mild reaching 20c at the end of the afternoon. The visibility was a bit hazy at times, but mostly good. The pressure rose 5 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A bit better day with Turkey Vultures (64) mostly in two kettles to the north east in the hour after midday. Red-tailed Hawks (44) flew mostly in the same hour as the Vultures, with Sharp-shinned Hawks (19) flying during the middle part of the day, some right over the Tower. Red-shouldered Hawks (12) accompanied the Red-tailed Hawks. A nice sight was two Northern Harriers dualling over Harrier Island to the north of the Tower.
Non-raptor Observations: There was a good flight of Eastern Bluebirds (178), American Robin (195), American Goldfinch (455) and American Pipit (90) over the Tower until mind afternoon. European Starlings (19,500) again flew past heading west most of the day. Duck numbers continue strong, but with a slight reduction in Ring-necked Duck (898). Northern Pintail (220) numbers are notably high. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S201620014
Predictions: A moderate wind from the north west is forecast for tomorrow under clearing skies. The temperature will be a bit lower at around 14c by the end of the day. Hopefully the north wind will produce more raptors tomorrow. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Liz for keeping me company all day, Mike in the morning and Peter who popped in for an hour or so in the afternoon. There were a number of visitors including Jim and Joan from Michigan who were very interested in the Hawk watch and birds on the marsh.
Weather: Moderate wind from the south all day, with unseasonably warm weather reaching 21c in the afternoon. Scattered clouds throughout with at least 60% coverage, visibility good all day. Pressure fell 6 points over the day.
Raptor Observations: Very quiet day with Turkey Vultures (31) seen rising from roosting and continuing on west. Next were Red-tailed Hawks (7), mostly to the north. Cooper's Hawk (4) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (3) were the only other raptors seen today.
Non-raptor Observations: Good numbers of ducks with 12 species seen, spread across the marsh with notable numbers of Ring-necked Duck (1675), Gadwall (1664) and Mallard (1256). American Coots (1191) were also everywhere. American White Pelicans (110) still have a presence on the marsh but most flew east after being spooked by a low flying aircraft. European Starling (38,100) headed west over the marsh in large numbers and there was also a good passage of Rusty Blackbirds (1033). There were also notable numbers of Cedar Waxwing (345) today. Little diversity around the Tower though. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S201527799.
Predictions: A light wind from the west south west under a cloudy sky is forecast for tomorrow. The temperature will still be unseasonably high, but a little lower than today. So pretty similar to today. I don't expect a significant increase in raptor numbers. However Thursday looks better with a light wind from the north. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/5/24 3:08 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (05 Nov 2024) 26 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 05, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jo Patterson
Visitors: Thank you to the visitors who stopped by and made a boring day more exciting. Come visit us for ID tips and other educational information. While we welcome your questions and company, please know our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: The day brought mostly cloudy skies, a rapidly falling barometer, high temperatures all day, and a moderate SSW breeze. The assembly of poor weather factors left the day incompatible with a bountiful migratory flight.
Raptor Observations: Another slow day at the boat launch. We counted a meager 13 Turkey Vulture in the first two hours. A slow, sad trickle of Red-tails continued throughout the day, totaling 12 birds. The local Coop and Bald Eagle were the only other raptor species sighted.
Non-raptor Observations: A handful of crows were seen. A large flock of Canada Goose flew past with 13 Great Blue Heron in tow. A Hister beetle carrying 24 phoretic mites visited my chair; it played dead after being poked.
Predictions: Tomorrow should bring a rising barometer, moderate W winds, cloudy skies, and slightly cooler temperatures. It may not be the best conditions, but it should be better than today.
======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Keep an eye out. I just got back from banding an Anna's Hummingbird in
Columbus, Ohio, so there are rare hummers about, but it is likely a low
year for Rufous...
Date: 11/5/24 7:43 am From: 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/04/2024
Total Cranes Roosting: 1,528
See Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog on the USFWS count at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 11/04/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,
Steve Jerant
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Date: 11/5/24 5:09 am From: Melissa P <mpappas53...> Subject: Re: [birders] Hummer
My salvias and cupheas are still blooming like crazy. I also have lots of
impatiens that show no signs of letting up. If there are any late hummers
in the area, there's plenty to give them a powerboost while on their way.
On Fri, Nov 1, 2024 at 9:17 PM FIELDINGS <feldchr...> wrote:
Date: 11/4/24 5:41 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (04 Nov 2024) 4 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 04, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: A replica of the whether conditions the team experienced last Thursday, i.e., cloudy skies, threatening with rain, consistent southerly winds and unseasonably warm temperatures (at least +18C or 65F, though it felt warmer).
Raptor Observations: Our prediction from yesterday ("we do not foresee large number of migrating vultures and other species") was an understatement!
In fact, we did not see any vultures at all, and only ... four other raptors! Two were Sharp-shins, another a Northern Harrier, and ...
The fourth bird, however, was the long awaited Goose Hawk (AKA Goshawk)!
That was quite a story! A juvenile goshawk crossed the river, low over water, flying almost straight at me, coming as close as 5 meters (15 feet). It landed in a nearby tree in full view. And the camera with telephoto lens was ... you guessed right, in the car!
While, I was reaching for another camera with a shorter lens, in the backpack, the goshawk took off... Murphy's Law at work.
What can I say? It was my closest encounter with the Goshawk ever. The only consolation it was not an adult in full plumage.
The hawk did not seem to be in a particular hurry, and perhaps still could be located on the premises of the Metropark.
Non-raptor Observations: We counted 17 American Crows, and spotted a Belted Kingfisher flying over the river, and that was about it. Ring-billed and Herring Gulls fighting over perch, tossed to them by anglers, provided some entertainment. Otherwise, nearly empty skies (if we discount Canada Geese, hybrid Mallards, etc.).
Predictions: Up to +25C (77F) and strong southerly winds tomorrow. Our prediction from November 3rd still applies. See the first sentence from "Observations (Raptor related)" for details. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman
Visitors: Thanks to Mike and Noel for keeping me company and helping with the count in the morning. Several school groups led by ERCA stopped by during the day, they learned about raptor migration and enjoyed seeing the pelicans in the marsh.
Weather: The temperature was 13 Degrees C to start off today rising to 20 C as the morning went on. The wind was out of the South/Southeast all day, varying between 5kph and 2kph. Overcast and spitting light rain in the morning from 07:00 until 09:00. The rest of the day was mainly cloud, with some sun shining through a light layer of high altitude clouds in the afternoon. The sky got very dark with incoming rain to the West around 14:00, and when light rain began on the lake I decided to end an hour early today. The barometer fell from 29.94 to 29.83
Raptor Observations: It was extremely slow for raptors today, with only 54 individuals observed. There was one push of Turkey Vultures (43) along the shoreline in morning, but that was it for their movement today. We also had 1 Northern Harrier, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Cooper's Hawks and 7 Sharp-shinned Hawks. The highlight bird was a Merlin, that sat on a treetop for over half an hour before continuing West.
Non-raptor Observations: The rain and South winds in the morning meant an nonexistent passerine flight, with only a few birds moving when the rain stopped later in the morning. 1 Purple Finch, 4 Pine Siskins, 510 Cedar Waxwings and 16 American Pipits were highlights. The lake was active with birds moving in the early morning, mainly Bonaparte's Gulls, Red-breasted Mergansers and scaup. The highlights for me were 2 Black Scoters, the first this season and only the 3rd eBird record for HBMO. 310 Tree Swallows foraged low overhead during the morning, very large numbers for this date. The American White Pelicans have made a bit of a comeback in numbers again, with 120 counted on the marsh today. Other highlights included; 6 Sandhill Cranes, 510 Rusty Blackbirds and a first cycle Lesser Black-backed Gull (our first of the season). 65 species were observed from the tower today, for the full list click this eBird link - https://ebird.org/checklist/S201421440
Predictions: Tomorrow looks like it'll be another poor day for weather on the tower, with strong winds from the South. There won't be rain in the way tomorrow though and it should be sunny, so hopefully there are a few more birds moving ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/3/24 4:54 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (03 Nov 2024) 1204 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 03, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jerry Jourdan, Johannes Postma, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Variable amounts of cloud and sunshine. Although the weather forecast called for easterly winds, wind direction was constantly changing. It shifted to the south ca. 11 AM, bringing hawk migration almost to standstill. Easterly winds finally arrived in late afternoon, carrying hundreds of raptors on its wings. It was slightly warmer today, up to +14C (57F). EDT changed to EST last night at mid-night.
Raptor Observations: A day of highs and lows. We reached our goal of one thousand birds, but just barely. Our earlier predictions were based on easterly winds, promised by forecasters. However, those did not materialize until 2 PM.
In the morning, we were surprised by thirteen Golden Eagles, spotted by combined efforts by Michelle, Bill and Don. For the next several hours, we saw several dozens of Red-tailed Hawks, but the number of vultures was rather negligible (if compared to the numbers we got used to). Other species also tricked in.
All this changed around 2 PM, upon arrival of the long-awaited easterlies. Within two hours, Turkey Vultures poured in, bringing Red-shouldered and Red-tailed Hawks with them (over 700 birds overall). Almost every streaming line of vultures, contained buteos of either or both species. One Peregrine Falcon was spotted earlier in the day.
Non-raptor Observations: We ended up counting only 99 crows. Quite a drop in numbers after the thousands seen yesterday! Of interest is a sighting of large plover with a bold wing stripe (most likely the Black-bellied Plover).
Predictions: Light rain and southerly winds are expected tomorrow. Temperature may rise as high as +22C (72F). Considering all of the above, we do not foresee large number of migrating vultures and other species. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Mike and Paul for helping me with the count today. We were visited by Arjun in the morning, and Hugh & Liz stopped by briefly in the afternoon. There were lots of people out and about walking around the park today.
Weather: The day started off with the temperature at 4 Degrees C and the wind from the ENE. The wind changed straight from the East around 08:30 and quickly picked up speed as the morning went on, going up to 30kph gusting to 40kph. The sky was a nice mix of sun and cloud today, with an average of 50% cloud cover. In the afternoon the wind shifted back to the ENE for around 2.5 hours, bringing about a slight drop in the temperature as well. The max temperature in the afternoon was 15.5 C, and the barometer fell from 30.19 to 30.06
Raptor Observations: The first two hours of the count were very slow for raptors, with only single digits observed. Right around 09:00 things started picking up though, and we saw a nice mid morning push of raptors (including 2 Golden Eagles). The activity then died down around 10:30, and remained slow for several hours, until the ENE wind brought the flight back to life at 14:00. We recorded good numbers of Northern Harriers (21), Sharp-shinned Hawks (44), Red-tailed Hawks (179) and Red-shouldered Hawks (36). The highlight birds today were the 6 Golden Eagles and a Short-eared Owl that flew East just after sunrise.
Non-raptor Observations: After being present in low numbers for several days, the American White Pelicans made a comeback today with 97 counted out in the marsh. The strong winds from the East led to a quieter morning flight than yesterday, and overall a lower species total than yesterday. There were still some birds moving though, including; 222 American Goldfinch, 13 Purple Finch, 20 Pine Siskin, 33 Eastern Bluebird and 118 Rusty Blackbirds. European Starlings passed by in giant murmurations throughout the day, with a conservative count of 46,000. Tree Swallows continue to linger around the marsh, with a minimum of 18 counted. Other highlights included our first Common Goldeneye of the season, 3 Common Loons and 9 Sandhill Cranes. We also saw 3 Monarchs pass over the tower, rather surprising for the date. 75 species were recorded today from the tower. To see the full list of all the species recorded, click this eBird link - https://ebird.org/checklist/S201325109
Predictions: Tomorrow there is meant to be strong winds from the South all day and a chance of rain all morning. We don't expect many raptors will be moving, but there could be some Turkey Vultures fighting the wind along the shore. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 11/2/24 7:00 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (02 Nov 2024) 784 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 02, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Light, but cold northerly winds became southerly around 1 PM. Sunny, but rather cold. Temperature rose from +3C (37F) in the morning to +11C (52F) in the afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Today was definitely a Golden Eagle Day! Hard work by Don, Bill, Michelle and Jo yielded 14 of these much-sought raptors! Although our overall totals (784) were not that impressive, and Turkey Vultures were still in a lead, we appreciated seeing greater numbers of other species. A dozen or so Red-tails, it seems, were in the air at any given time. This species (153 sighted) made a good attempt to catch up with the leaders. We also counted good numbers of Red-shouldered Hawks (37) and Bald Eagles (13, mainly immature birds). Two Rough-legged Hawks were also sighted; one (dark morph) flew directly overhead, and was photographed by Bill.
Non-raptor Observations: A very impressive flight of American Crows! They crowed the skies, stretching from from horizon to horizon, outnumbering raptors ten to one. By combined efforts of Bill and Michelle, we logged 10,547 crows! The crows were counted by fives, and the last digit of the total is an artifact of the first hour when only two crows were sighted. In addition, we were treated to a sighting of five Trumpeter Swans! Calls of this impressive species were new to some of us! Another treat of the day were Dunlin. A flock of 40-45 was seen over the river in early afternoon,
Predictions: We look forward to almost perfect flight conditions tomorrow. It will be cold, but sunny, with strong easterly winds, i.e., nearly perfect conditions for migrating raptors. We may great numbers (perhaps in low thousands). ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Cameron Chevalier, Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Mike, Cameron, Paul, Hugh and Liz for helping out with the count today. We were visited by Fred from Leamington, George from Aurora and Lou & Toni from Windsor.
Weather: It was a chilly morning to start off on the tower, with the temperature sitting at 4 Degrees C and light (under 5kph) wind from the North. The wind remained out of the North/Northeast until close to 12:00, when it then shifted around to come from the South for the rest of the day. The wind was so light for the whole day that we barely felt it up on the tower. The sky was clear blue for the morning, with light clouds (under 15% cloud cover) moving in during the afternoon. The temperature rose to 15 C in the afternoon, and the pressure remained around 30.24
Raptor Observations: Once again the morning was very quiet for raptors, with single digits recorded for the first few hours. After 12:00 it picked up considerably, and for the rest of the afternoon we saw a nice, though very high and distant flight. Highlights were 8 Golden Eagles and 4 Rough-legged Hawks (all light morph). Northern Harriers (31) and Red-tailed Hawks (216) were also recorded in strong numbers. We also saw one of each of the three falcon species.
Non-raptor Observations: With the combination of very light wind and cold air, the conditions were perfect this morning for hearing flight calls of birds migrating overhead. We recorded a nice songbird flight, highlighted by; 153 Purple Finch, 18 Pine Siskins, 2 White-winged Crossbills, 49 Eastern Bluebirds, 26 American Pipits, 3 Lapland Longspur, 73 Horned Larks and 9 Yellow-rumped Warblers. The White-winged Crossbills were the first recorded at HBMO since 2012 and are quite an uncommon species in Essex County. We also saw massive numbers of American Crows migrating overhead, with 21,945 counted. Other highlights from today included; 4 Horned Grebes, 172 Rusty Blackbirds, 1 Black-bellied Plover and 1 Long-billed Dowitcher (late, and our first of the season). 80 species were observed from the tower today, quite a good tally for November. To see the full list, click this eBird link https://ebird.org/checklist/S201181666
Predictions: The wind is predicted to be out of the East all day tomorrow, with an overcast sky in the morning and likely more sun in the afternoon. The temperature should be similar to today. Winds with a North component are always more productive for our site, but we could still see a decent flight tomorrow if the weather cooperates ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
No feeder here all summer No time for a picture. We do have Lantana, one Fuscia and lots of Streptocarpella that have not gotten frost yet.
On Friday, November 1, 2024 at 06:37:08 PM EDT, FIELDINGS <feldchr...> wrote:
We just had a Hummer here in Livonia this afternoon spotted on a Fuscia. NEVER in November. Hope he makes it.
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Date: 11/1/24 5:17 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (01 Nov 2024) 810 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Nov 01, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Cloudy in the morning, and then sun and cloud. Winds from west and north-west with velocity of up to 21 km/hour (13 mi/hr). Temperature reached +11C (52F) in late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: Raptor migration, slowed down by warm, summer-like weather last week, resumed today. The main actors were predictably Turkey Vultures (709) and Red-tailed Hawks (63). Sharp-shinned Hawks were at low (19 birds) and all other species in single digits. Hard work by Don and others was rewarded by sightings of two Golden Eagles and one distant Rough-legged Hawk.
Non-raptor Observations: Several flocks of American Crows (a total of 225) and one Blue Jay were counted in the area. Although, White Pelicans are daily seen between Celeron Island and the tip of Canada (Amherst Pointe), one group of ten or so were seen much closer than usual. Bonaparte's Gulls (up to 15-20) periodically enter the Boat Rump area, but did not stay long.
Predictions: A bright sunny day with light winds is expected tomorrow. It seems that wind will come from north and east in the morning, and shift to south in early afternoon. Temperature will remain below +13C (55 F). We anticipate to see some bird movement earlier in the day, e.g., between 11 AM and noon, while easterly winds last. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:30:00 Total observation time: 8.5 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Ian Woodfield, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Thanks to Mike A, Mike J, Hugh, Liz and Ian for helping with the count today. We were visited by Dawn from Ohio, Pat and Julie from Mackinnon, Donald from Wardsville, Ray from Chatham-Kent, Alex from DC, Hallie from Chicago, Bella from MZ, John from Chicago and Rob from Chicago. Several school groups brought in by ERCA also visited us in the morning.
Weather: This morning I arrived at the tower to discover the wind coming from the West, not ideal but a nice change after the past few days. Soon after it shifted WSW, not what was forecasted and certainly not a favourable direction. For the rest of the morning the wind retained a southerly component, while dark and stormy clouds rolled towards us from the West. Just after 12:00 rain began to fall, but it only lasted for around 20 minutes. When the rain band ended the wind shifted WNW and the sky began to open up, changing to 50% cloud cover. The wind was fairly strong all day, averaging 15kph but gusting to 30kph at times. Those conditions held for most of the afternoon, though it started clouding over significantly at 16:30. The temperature started at 6 Degrees C in the morning and rose to 15 C in the afternoon, though it felt cooler with the winds. The barometer went up from 29.93 to 30.05.
Raptor Observations: The morning was quite slow for raptors, with only one or two birds recorded each hour. After the rain hit and the sky cleared up, we saw a nice flight begin over the marsh, which lasted from 12:30 until 15:00. As is the norm this time of year, the bulk of the birds were Turkey Vultures (647), followed by Red-tailed Hawks (59) and Sharp-shinned Hawks (22). Highlights included an immature Golden Eagle and a juvenile Peregrine Falcon.
Non-raptor Observations: Due to the strong winds in the morning, we saw a reduced songbird flight. We recorded under 900 blackbirds this morning, a stark contrast to yesterdays numbers. Two species that were moving in numbers though were American Robin (957) and American Goldfinch (935), both passing by until mid afternoon. 108 American White Pelicans were recorded, 100 of those leaving the marsh in the early morning and flying West. 96 Tree Swallow were observed today, high numbers for this late in the year. Other highlights today included; 1 Eastern Meadowlark, 98 Rusty Blackbirds, 1 Pectoral Sandpiper and 6 Purple Finches. 67 species were observed from the tower today, for the full list click this eBird link https://ebird.org/checklist/S201038262
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be a cooler day, with a daily high of 11 C. The wind should be from the North for most of the day, but it's meant to be nonexistent at under 5kph. The sky is also meant to be sunny. I can't guarantee it will be a great day, but I think there should be a good number of birds migrating past, as they've been held up for the past 5 days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
We just had a Hummer here in Livonia this afternoon spotted on a Fuscia. NEVER in November. Hope he makes it.
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Date: 11/1/24 6:10 am From: Don Henise <kiskadee37...> Subject: Re: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary & USFWS Crane Count 10/29/2024
Robyn and I haven't been out there for morning lift off in a few years. Normally the cranes will leave the night roost within a half hour of sunrise to head out to feed. We would normally position ourselves there at least an hour before sunrise to hear the marsh "wake up." Back when there were 1000s of cranes using Haehnle as a night roost, the noise as the animals in the marsh woke up was incredible to experience.Don <Henisekiskadee37...>
-------- Original message --------From: Dody Wyman <dody...> Date: 10/30/24 11:45 AM (GMT-05:00) To: Mag Tait <magtait1...> Cc: Steve Jerant <sjerant...>, <jax-birds...>, <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary & USFWS Crane Count 10/29/2024 Many years ago, we went out there to watch them take off in the AM. That was a spectacular sight also! Does anyone know what time they are leaving now? DodyOn Oct 29, 2024, at 10:26 PM, Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:Over 1000! Next year, when I’m retired, I’m going to come in see this. Meanwhile, we still have groups of three and four all around the neighborhood here in Hamburg Township.Sent from my iPhoneOn Oct 29, 2024, at 10:12 PM, 'Steve Jerant' via Birders <birders...> wrote:Total Cranes Roosting:
1,046Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog and my report on the USFWS
count at: Jackson
Audubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary & USFWS Crane Count 10/29/2024You can view past postings and historical crane counting
data onHaehnle web site JAS
Blog pageAnd on JAS or Haehnle FB pagesRegards,Steve Jerant
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Date: 10/31/24 4:02 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (31 Oct 2024) 5 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 31, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess, Jo Patterson
Observers: Don Sherwood, Erika Van Kirk, Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie MetroPark.
We are willing to spread the gospel with pamphlets and information cards,
along with tips on IDing the raptors, and photography tips for those behind
the cameras. Let us share our enthusiasm for this miracle of nature with
you.
Weather:
Harry Nilsson informed us that “One is the loneliest number that you will
ever do.” It seemed that might be an ambitious number of raptors to hope
for when looking at today’s forecast. A roaring wind out of the
south-westerly quarter that started around fourteen mph and reached
twenty-three with gusts exceeding that number. The barometer bottoming out
as a low-pressure area approached. Rain and thunderstorms appeared in the
early forecast. It did not inspire confidence. Yellow leaves flew by us as
the nearby maple shed its foliage, prepping for the winter to come…if it
ever does. Unfortunately, the leaves far outnumbered the countable migrants
flying in the sky, much as we expected.
Raptor Observations:
Five birds. Two red-tailed hawks, two sharpies, one harrier. The harrier
did its usual very low flight over the water when the winds are really
blowing. It understands laminar flow apparently.
Non-raptor Observations:
The non-raptor side of things was a little more interesting today. Swallows
continue to ply their trade, even in the stiff winds. A common loon was
seen flying much lower than they normally do, skimming the treetops on
Celeron Island. Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen over the lake, around twenty
or so. A pair of terns were seen there too. It was too dark to see whether
Forster’s or Common. Four sandhill cranes did the flyover today. Great
blue herons were not intimidated by the maelstrom and a couple were noted
flying by. Thousands of ducks are out on Lake Erie riding the whitecaps
today. They all took off when the M/V Columbia Star/American Century, my
old home away from home, sailed by with a load of coal for Monroe. Killdeer
were up today, flopping around much more than they usually do. Greater
Yellowlegs were seen in the mudflats as the southwest wind had pushed a lot
of water up to Buffalo leaving the marshes drained
Predictions:
Our fortunes should change tomorrow. The barometer will rocket up as
high-pressure rolls in. This brings colder air from the north. The
temperature will drop about twenty degrees from today’s balmy
seventy-three to around fifty-degrees. The winds, the winds, therein lies
the rub. Strength wise, still in the teens to start the day, coming from
the west, and turning west-northwest as the day progresses. Not quite the
sweet spot we would hope for, but certainly better than today.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 14:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Thanks to Mike A, Mike J and Hugh for helping out with the count today. We were visited briefly by Noel and Juliette, who brought us tasty home-baked snacks. We were also visited by; a Tan Jumping Spider, several Autumn Meadowhawks and a Monarch. We determined the Monarch had the best halloween costume of the day, it wasn't very spooky but at least it got the colours right.
Weather: An interesting day for weather, with the sky changing from 100% cloud cover, to mostly sunny, then back again for a lot of the day. The wind was strong (10-25kph) out of the South for the entire day, though it never got as windy as it was initially forecasted to. With dark clouds rolling off the lake throughout the day we were expecting rain, but it all seemed to pass by us and we remained dry. The temperature was warm from the start of our watch until the end, changing from 17 Degrees C to 21. The barometer fell from 29.76 to 29.67.
Raptor Observations: Another very quiet day on the raptor front, with only 2 or 3 birds recorded most hours. The bulk of our numbers came from Turkey Vultures (153), many of them circling and fighting the wind for over an hour before finally passing by. 3 Northern Harriers flew past in the morning, 2 of them nice "Grey Ghosts". We also had a single Peregrine Falcon, as well as a Merlin that caught a Tree Swallow on the wing.
Non-raptor Observations: The Strong south winds today led to lower species diversity, as well as a rather quiet morning songbird flight. When we arrived we were deafened by thousands of blackbirds calling in the trees beside the tower, mostly Red-winged Blackbirds and Common Grackles. Over the next hour we counted at least 20,000 blackbirds flying East by the tower, our best numbers this season. 310 American White Pelicans continue to be seen in the marsh, though there could have been more out of sight. Other highlights included; 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Gray Catbird, 125 Rusty Blackbirds and our first Dunlin of the season. 58 species were identified from the tower today, for the full list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S200926966
In the month of October we spotted 149 species from the tower, to see that and our daily lists, click this Trip Report https://ebird.org/tripreport/288975
Predictions: Tomorrow should be much cooler than today, with a clear sky and 20kph wind from the West. These aren't ideal conditions, but hopefully we will see more of a flight than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Thank you, Don. I think we’ll see if we can roust ourselves and do this. I remember it really being more exciting than the evening fly in. As you say, hearing and watching the marsh wake up is an amazing experience!
Dody
On Oct 30, 2024, at 12:57 PM, Don Henise <kiskadee37...> wrote:
Robyn and I haven't been out there for morning lift off in a few years. Normally the cranes will leave the night roost within a half hour of sunrise to head out to feed. We would normally position ourselves there at least an hour before sunrise to hear the marsh "wake up." Back when there were 1000s of cranes using Haehnle as a night roost, the noise as the animals in the marsh woke up was incredible to experience.
Don Henise
<kiskadee37...>
-------- Original message --------
From: Dody Wyman <dody...>
Date: 10/30/24 11:45 AM (GMT-05:00)
To: Mag Tait <magtait1...>
Cc: Steve Jerant <sjerant...>, <jax-birds...>, <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Haehnle Sanctuary & USFWS Crane Count 10/29/2024
Many years ago, we went out there to watch them take off in the AM. That was a spectacular sight also! Does anyone know what time they are leaving now?
Dody
On Oct 29, 2024, at 10:26 PM, Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
Over 1000! Next year, when I’m retired, I’m going to come in see this. Meanwhile, we still have groups of three and four all around the neighborhood here in Hamburg Township.
Sent from my iPhone
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Date: 10/30/24 6:46 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (30 Oct 2024) 285 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 30, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Don Sherwood, Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark!
Come visit us for ID tips and other educational information. While we
welcome your questions and company, please know our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Weather:
The unseasonably warm weather continued today. Temperatures ranged from 18C
- 24C (64F - 75F). A strong SSW breeze continued to strip the leaves off
our maple, although the leaves hit us with less vigor than yesterday. Cloud
cover increased throughout the day and the barometer remained around 30
inHg.
Raptor Observations:
285 raptors today, only slightly worse than yesterday. The bulk, of course,
were Turkey Vulture. 270 vultures glided across the treetops to the North.
They flickered in and out of the haze, traveling painfully slow in the
headwind. 2 Kestral, 7 Red-tail, 2 Sharp-shins, and 3 Bald Eagle also
braved the wind.
Non-raptor Observations:
Although there were not many migrants, we still had a wonderful time
observing our local diversity. A local Bald Eagle with a fish was chased
and harassed by a young Herring Gull. Unfortunately for the gull, its
attempts to make the eagle drop its snack were unsuccessful. The local
Cooper’s was observed shadowing another Starling ball. The same Coop was
also seen hunting the Gibraltar birdfeeders. Lots of Asian lady beetles
continued to crawl around us, but we also found a native twice-stabbed
ladybug! A red-veined meadowhawk dragonfly caught a fly and ate it at our
feet.
Predictions:
Tomorrow is predicted to be similar to our last two days: temperatures in
the high 60s, strong SSW winds, and variable cloud cover. However, we do
have a chance for afternoon rain showers. Halloween may not be the best day
for our migrants, but we are hopeful that the incoming rain and cold front
will bring a glorious Friday flight.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Heather Broddy, Liz Kent, Michael Arthurs, Mike Jaber
Visitors: Big thanks to Liz, Mike, Michael and Heather for keeping me company and helping observe throughout the day. Carol from Essex stayed for a while and was lucky to see the Golden Eagle with us. We were again visited by two classes of children guided by Emily from ERCA. They were enthralled by all the bird life on the Marsh, including of course the American White Pelicans.
Weather: Moderate wind from the south, with haze at distance. Very mild for the time of year with temperatures starting at 17c rising to 22c. Cloud cover gradually increased throughout the day and the pressure fell 7 points.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day with great views mid morning of an immature Golden Eagle to the north being the high spot. Apart from Turkey Vultures (166) no other species made it into double figures.
Non-raptor Observations: Another day dominated by ducks. Numbers are rising on the marsh, with eleven species seen. American White Pelicans (455) are still present, very mobile around the marsh. There was a significant movement of Blackbirds and Starlings at the beginning of the day with a combined flock of at least 15000 observed flying over the Tower. Starlings continued to fly past in large numbers throughout the day over the trees to the North and there was a constant chatter of blackbirds in the trees around the Tower. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200844581
Predictions: A similar day is forecast tomorrow but with higher winds from the south, with an overcast sky. Temperatures remain high for the time of year. There is a chance of rain in the afternoon. Hopefully the higher wind may bring more raptors than the last couple of days. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Many years ago, we went out there to watch them take off in the AM. That was a spectacular sight also! Does anyone know what time they are leaving now?
Dody
On Oct 29, 2024, at 10:26 PM, Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
Over 1000! Next year, when I’m retired, I’m going to come in see this. Meanwhile, we still have groups of three and four all around the neighborhood here in Hamburg Township.
Sent from my iPhone
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Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog and my report on the USFWScount at:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary & USFWS Crane Count 10/29/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,Steve Jerant
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Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Linda Goodhue, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Liz, Mike, Peter and Noel for helping out and keeping me company during the day. Linda visited us for a while. We were kept busy with two school groups accompanied by Kirsten from ERCA who enjoyed seeing the Pelicans and other marsh birds. It was good to meet Rob and Ron from Belle River and to see Chuck C again.
Weather: Hazy all day, limiting visibility. The moderate wind was from the South. Cloudy skies with a comfortable temperature starting at 15c and ending the day at 22c. The pressure dropped 5 points throughout the day.
Raptor Observations: A very quiet day with quality rather than quantity. A Golden Eagle, American Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Merlin and a close-ish 'grey ghost' male Northern Harrier provided the quality. Turkey Vultures (41) and Red-tailed Hawks (15) were the only species reaching double figures.
Non-raptor Observations: Water birds ruled the day with large numbers of Ducks now on the marsh and a good variety of twelve species, including a single Greater Scaup, Ruddy Duck (6) and Bufflehead (3). American White Pelicans (332) continue to entertain and it was nice to see a water dance of Pied-billed Grebes (19) in the corner of the marsh close to the Tower. Cedar Waxwings (305) made a return with flocks flying over most of the day. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200746562
Predictions: Tomorrow similar conditions are forecast with a slightly stronger wind from the south. Temperatures will be slightly higher. Hopefully the stronger wind may attract more birds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/29/24 4:48 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (29 Oct 2024) 302 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 29, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Bill Peregord, Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark!
We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us
share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome
your questions and company, please know our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Weather:
Today was blustery one at the count site with wind out of the southwest
averaging as high as 16 mph (26 km/h) and even higher gusts. Despite the
high winds, it was warm with a comfortable high of 73 F (23 C). It was
partly cloudy throughout the day with a distant haze.
Raptor Observations:
As we expected (and feared!) based on the weather, the raptors were largely
absent from the count site today. Warm temperatures and high southwestern
winds generally indicate few birds flying overhead. The conditions left us
with just 302 total migrating raptors counted. The low total count didn’t
mean there was no excitement! The 281 turkey vultures that we did see were
pushed low by the wind and made for some good views. There were 11
red-tailed hawks interspersed with the meager streams of vultures and we
enjoyed spending time looking closely at each bird. In our meticulous
combing through of vultures, we delighted to find the dark silhouettes of 2
golden eagles. A couple falcons made quick visits as well. A kestrel
whizzed by frantically fighting the wind and its larger relative, the
peregrine falcon, flew low over the channel managing the windy conditions a
bit better. Our only other migrating raptors consisted of 3 sharp-shinned
hawks, a determined bald eagle, and a couple distant buteos distorted by
haze.
Non-raptor Observations:
While watching the diving of Forster’s terns and their allies, the
Bonaparte’s gulls, we saw them scatter at the approach of the peregrine
falcon. In between that excitement and counting raptors, the long stretches
of birdless time left us to ponder the behaviors and identities of other
count site creatures. We admired (and related to) a northern water snake
relaxing in the sun to warm up. The valiant counters fended off a barrage
of Asian lady beetles trying their best to get into pockets, bags, scopes,
hats and anywhere else they could find. A handsome parasitic wasp took a
rest on a water bottle. All of this while the leaves our beloved maple
began to cover the ground around us.
Predictions:
Tomorrow is shaping up to be a similar day to today, with warm temperatures
and possibly even higher winds. We are not expecting large movements of
birds until these winds shift and things cool down but as we discussed at
the count site today, these birds have to fly sometime!
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 10/29/24 5:45 am From: Catherine Carroll <kiwibisc...> Subject: Re: [birders] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
I remember Bruce Bowman well. Good, good guy. His lovely obituary (I
learned a lot that I didn't know) could have added even more of his many
contributions to our community.
He will be missed by family and friends alike. RIP Bruce.
Cathy Carroll
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:11 PM 'Mike Sefton' via Birders <
<birders...> wrote:
Date: 10/29/24 12:38 am From: 'jochen roeder' via Birders <birders...> Subject: Re: [birders] More memories of Bruce Bowman and Dr. Bob Setzer
I am also deeply saddened by the news of Bruce's passing. When I had the chance to visit Michigan in May 2005 and then again for an entire year in 2006 / 2007, he was instrumental in providing the basic information on birds & birding in the Great Lakes region. Through him I joined this birders listserv, which I am still a member of after nearly 20 years, inspite of not living in North America anymore. Bruce impressed me with how he ran the listserv, as in my experience such online communities usually imploded after a short while due to infighting or slipping into irrelevance. Not this one though, as Bruce ensured certain rules were followed by all members. He did that using a minimum of authority, striking the perfect balance between allowing people to communicate freely and remaining within the boundaries of the defined rules.
I was also fortunate enough to get out into the field with him, as he took me - who didn't have a car during my stay in Michigan - to Magee Marsh on a number of occasions, and also elsewhere in SE Michigan. I owe him many wonderful hours there, and also a few instances of "warbler neck". In the field, he again impressed me not alone with his knowledge but also how precisely he took notes of our observations, and with this little gadget he had built himself: he had dificulties with his hearing pertaining to the high chipping calls of birds, so he had deviced an instrument with an ear piece that would lower the frequencies of the calls to an extend that made them audible to him. Now, I have also aged a fair bit since those days in 2007, and while I can still hear bird calls just fine, I begin to struggle with grasshoppers and crickets, a newly-found passion of mine. Thankfully nowadays, such gadgets are readilly available for purchase, but I am still reminded frequently of Bruce standing next to me, with his headphones on, scanning the canopies above the board walk.
Beyond the listserv and the birding, I got to know Bruce as a kind and balanced person, and while we might miss him as a birding companion, I cannot imagine the grief his family and close friends must surely feel now.
Jochen
Am Dienstag, 29. Oktober 2024 um 02:00:51 MEZ hat <ajf-jlf...> <ajf-jlf...> Folgendes geschrieben:
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In the likelihood that all of the remembrances flowing in to the birding center may be compiled and shared with the grieving families, I want to add my personal notes of loss. In this forum of shared interests and reporting there have been hundreds of postings that have added to my enjoyment over the years. Relative recluse that I am, however, very few have resulted in personal exchanges of email or even fewer resulted in face to face meetings. I had the pleasure of the former with “Dr. Bob” a couple of years ago and was looking forward to him dropping in sometime to view our feeder birds from our living room windows. I’m saddened to know now that that will never happen.
And it was decades ago that Bruce contacted me to join him in a birding tour of Augusta Twp one Saturday. I can no longer recall what turned up in some of my favorite haunts east of my then Home in Milan, MI, but I still remember a good afternoon of birding together that day, as well as the long and good service he provided the hundreds of birders who enjoyed our feathered and human friends through <birders...> in ways we’d never done before!
-- John Farmer
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Date: 10/28/24 6:00 pm From: <ajf-jlf...> Subject: [birders] More memories of Bruce Bowman and Dr. Bob Setzer
In the likelihood that all of the remembrances flowing in to the birding center may be compiled and shared with the grieving families, I want to add my personal notes of loss. In this forum of shared interests and reporting there have been hundreds of postings that have added to my enjoyment over the years. Relative recluse that I am, however, very few have resulted in personal exchanges of email or even fewer resulted in face to face meetings. I had the pleasure of the former with "Dr. Bob" a couple of years ago and was looking forward to him dropping in sometime to view our feeder birds from our living room windows. I'm saddened to know now that that will never happen.
And it was decades ago that Bruce contacted me to join him in a birding tour of Augusta Twp one Saturday. I can no longer recall what turned up in some of my favorite haunts east of my then Home in Milan, MI, but I still remember a good afternoon of birding together that day, as well as the long and good service he provided the hundreds of birders who enjoyed our feathered and human friends through <birders...> <mailto:<birders...> in ways we'd never done before!
-- John Farmer
-- Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Birders" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to birders+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/004701db299d%24faa84e60%24eff8eb20%<24...>
Date: 10/28/24 3:55 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (28 Oct 2024) 1701 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 28, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Frank Kitakis, Jerry Jourdan
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Sun and cloud; light southerly winds of up to 14 km/hour (8.5 mi/hr). Temperature rose to +14C (57F) by late afternoon.
Raptor Observations: We counted 1,701 raptors today, and 92% of those were ...? You guessed right, Turkey Vultures! Two-thirds migrated between noon and 2 PM. The vultures brought other species with them, including 106 Red-tails and eleven Red-shouldered Hawks. Five of the latter were in a single streaming groups of TVs. Three Golden Eagles were sighted today, compliments of Jerry and Ben. Ben's bird approached as close as the sycamore! Without doubt, it was that last-hour Golden Eagle ordered by Bill and Michelle yesterday, but delivered with one day delay)
Non-raptor Observations: American Crows (782), Blue Jays (5), White Pelicans (>60)
Predictions: Light rain overnight. Tomorrow, southern wind will bring hot air from the south, driving air temperatures up to +25C (77F) in the afternoon! We suspect that southerly winds and summer temperatures will slow raptor migration. Although... who knows? Our predictions of hawk migration do not always came true! ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber
Visitors:
It was quiet on the tower today, though it’s not too surprising since
it’s the first day the park is closed for vehicles. Thanks to Mike for
helping out in the morning and Hugh and Liz for assisting with the count in
the afternoon. Cynthia and Mohsan from LaSalle, Alban and Heather from
Windsor were visitors today.
Weather:
It started off warmer than yesterday, at 5 Degrees C. The temperature later
went up to 17 C, and it felt quite warm on the tower. The wind was light
(1-10kph) out of the South all day. The sky started off mainly blue, but
later clouded over to a max of 60% cloud cover in the afternoon. The
pressure remained around 30.13
Raptor Observations:
The first 2 hours on the count were incredibly slow, with 0 raptors
recorded. It almost went 3 hours, but a few vultures started flying around
10:55 and saved my from the 3rd “tick of disappointment”. The
afternoon’s flight was very distant and often required the scope for
accurate counting, with vultures shimmering in and out of the heat haze.
The vultures aside it was a very slow day on the tower, with the occasional
Red-tailed Hawk or other raptor mixed in. Our highlights of the day were
two Golden Eagles, which both came in the last half hour of the count.
Non-raptor Observations:
It was one of the slower days of the fall on the non raptor front, with a
nonexistent morning songbird flight and hardly any birds calling around the
tower. There were lots of waterfowl flying around though, including several
thousand ducks in the marsh and 15,000 diving ducks on Lake Erie. The
highlight for me was a White-winged Scoter spotted by Mike, a new bird for
our season list. The American White Pelicans continue in large numbers,
with a minimum of 480 on the marsh. Other highlights included; 23 Pectoral
Sandpipers and a Fox Sparrow.
Only 69 species were recorded from the tower today, for the full list click
here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S200638534
Predictions:
Tomorrow is meant to be warmer (High of 22 Degrees), with stronger
Southwest winds. There is also a chance of rain in the morning. We expect a
slow flight again, though hopefully the vultures will continue moving in
numbers.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>)
Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/28/24 1:53 pm From: Edward Lewandowski <ocbirdguy...> Subject: Re: [birders] Re: [se-mi-birdlist] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
Birders@umich changed the way I viewed birding and participated in it.
Before eBird came along, I just had a strong interest in knowing some
stuff. I had a friend and a few family members that took some interest
and some conversation. Thanks to Bruce and many birders that supported and
helped with the email thread I joined Audubon, led field trips and
basically little did I know made a birding family with people from all
around the state.
For that, I am forever grateful to Bruce and what he did to enrich so many
lives in ways he probably could never fully fathom.
Rest will legend
Ed Lewandowski
On Mon, Oct 28, 2024 at 11:14 AM Susan Cybulski <susan...>
wrote:
> I too learned a lot about birding from Bruce via this list. I am sad to
> hear this news, but I feel sure his spirit of sharing and knowledge he
> imparted will continue through all us devoted birders in Michigan and
> beyond. --Susan Cybulski
>
> On Monday, October 28, 2024 at 6:36:13 AM UTC-4 <enslave......>
> wrote:
>
>> I am so sorry to hear the news about Bruce. He was so important to my
>> interest in birding when it first took hold of me almost 25 years ago. Even
>> though I live in West Michigan, 'his' birding group here provided me with
>> needed information on where and how to find and identify birds. Above and
>> beyond that, he was generous with his time helping me learn via email. I
>> was fortunate enough to have met him a couple of times. To me, he was an
>> absolute giant in Michigan birding and truly one of the kindest people I
>> have ever known.
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 9:06 PM Macklin Smith <mack......> wrote:
>>
>>> All~
>>> A sad day indeed. Bruce and I were quite close, and especially after his
>>> diagnosis with Parkinson's I used to drive him around the county and
>>> beyond to look for birds. When he could no longer live alone and had opted
>>> to join family in Indiana, Bruce invited a few of his local birding friends
>>> to his place off of Newport Rd., hopeful that these friends would want to
>>> have some of his fairly extensive library. I was able to take just one
>>> book. Tough stuff. My Dad was also diagnosed with Parkinson's, and his
>>> decline lasted over 12 year.
>>> ~Macklin
>>>
>>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 2:24 PM Mary Wise <aun......> wrote:
>>>
>>>> This is a sad day. Bruce administered this list for decades. He will
>>>> be missed!
>>>>
>>>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:11 PM 'Mike Sefton' via se-mi-birdlist <
>>>> <se-mi-b......> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/annarbor/name/bruce-bowman-obituary?id=55812509 >>>>>
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>>>>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>>>>
>>>>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>>>>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>>>>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>>>>> ---
>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>>> Groups "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>>>> an email to <se-mi-birdlis......>
>>>>> To view this discussion visit
>>>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/<ADFB1F25-FB56-43E6-B89B-2603C0868685...> >>>>> .
>>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>>>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>>>
>>>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>>>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>>>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>>>> ---
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>>> an email to <se-mi-birdlis......>
>>>> To view this discussion visit
>>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...> >>>> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>>> .
>>>>
>>> --
>>> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
>>> www.glc.org
>>> ---
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Birders" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to birders+<u......>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<fc583482-eb0d-4371-b322-bb1afb1f4d33n...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<fc583482-eb0d-4371-b322-bb1afb1f4d33n...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/28/24 12:36 pm From: Susan Falcone <sfalcone...> Subject: Re: [birders] Bruce Bowman. Dr Bob Setzer
I met Bruce in 1994 and he encouraged me to join the <birders...> was wonderful bering in touch with him for so long...
Susan
--------------------------------------------
Susan Falcone
Falcone Studio/Studies from Nature
Ann Arbor MI 48105
studio (734) 995-1681
<sfalcone...>
--------------------------------------------
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
---
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Date: 10/28/24 8:14 am From: Susan Cybulski <susan...> Subject: Re: [birders] Re: [se-mi-birdlist] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
I too learned a lot about birding from Bruce via this list. I am sad to
hear this news, but I feel sure his spirit of sharing and knowledge he
imparted will continue through all us devoted birders in Michigan and
beyond. --Susan Cybulski
On Monday, October 28, 2024 at 6:36:13 AM UTC-4 <enslave......> wrote:
> I am so sorry to hear the news about Bruce. He was so important to my
> interest in birding when it first took hold of me almost 25 years ago. Even
> though I live in West Michigan, 'his' birding group here provided me with
> needed information on where and how to find and identify birds. Above and
> beyond that, he was generous with his time helping me learn via email. I
> was fortunate enough to have met him a couple of times. To me, he was an
> absolute giant in Michigan birding and truly one of the kindest people I
> have ever known.
>
> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 9:06 PM Macklin Smith <mack......> wrote:
>
>> All~
>> A sad day indeed. Bruce and I were quite close, and especially after his
>> diagnosis with Parkinson's I used to drive him around the county and
>> beyond to look for birds. When he could no longer live alone and had opted
>> to join family in Indiana, Bruce invited a few of his local birding friends
>> to his place off of Newport Rd., hopeful that these friends would want to
>> have some of his fairly extensive library. I was able to take just one
>> book. Tough stuff. My Dad was also diagnosed with Parkinson's, and his
>> decline lasted over 12 year.
>> ~Macklin
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 2:24 PM Mary Wise <aun......> wrote:
>>
>>> This is a sad day. Bruce administered this list for decades. He will
>>> be missed!
>>>
>>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:11 PM 'Mike Sefton' via se-mi-birdlist <
>>> <se-mi-b......> wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/annarbor/name/bruce-bowman-obituary?id=55812509 >>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>>>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>>>
>>>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>>>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>>>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>>>> ---
>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>>> Groups "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>>> an email to <se-mi-birdlis......>
>>>> To view this discussion visit
>>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/<ADFB1F25-FB56-43E6-B89B-2603C0868685...> >>>> .
>>>>
>>> --
>>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>>
>>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>>> ---
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to <se-mi-birdlis......>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...> >>> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >>> .
>>>
>> --
>> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
>> www.glc.org
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "Birders" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to birders+<u......>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
>
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---
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Date: 10/28/24 3:36 am From: Bob Tarte <enslavedbyducks...> Subject: Re: [birders] Re: [se-mi-birdlist] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
I am so sorry to hear the news about Bruce. He was so important to my
interest in birding when it first took hold of me almost 25 years ago. Even
though I live in West Michigan, 'his' birding group here provided me with
needed information on where and how to find and identify birds. Above and
beyond that, he was generous with his time helping me learn via email. I
was fortunate enough to have met him a couple of times. To me, he was an
absolute giant in Michigan birding and truly one of the kindest people I
have ever known.
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 9:06 PM Macklin Smith <macklins...> wrote:
> All~
> A sad day indeed. Bruce and I were quite close, and especially after his
> diagnosis with Parkinson's I used to drive him around the county and
> beyond to look for birds. When he could no longer live alone and had opted
> to join family in Indiana, Bruce invited a few of his local birding friends
> to his place off of Newport Rd., hopeful that these friends would want to
> have some of his fairly extensive library. I was able to take just one
> book. Tough stuff. My Dad was also diagnosed with Parkinson's, and his
> decline lasted over 12 year.
> ~Macklin
>
> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 2:24 PM Mary Wise <auntyem...> wrote:
>
>> This is a sad day. Bruce administered this list for decades. He will be
>> missed!
>>
>> On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 12:11 PM 'Mike Sefton' via se-mi-birdlist <
>> <se-mi-birdlist...> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>
>>> https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/annarbor/name/bruce-bowman-obituary?id=55812509 >>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> --
>>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>>
>>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>>> ---
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send
>>> an email to se-mi-birdlist+<unsubscribe...>
>>> To view this discussion visit
>>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/<ADFB1F25-FB56-43E6-B89B-2603C0868685...> >>> .
>>>
>> --
>> The 'se-mi-birdlist' email group is a service of the Great Lakes
>> Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org.
>>
>> Content distributed via this email group is the sole responsibility of
>> the author, and does not necessarily reflect the views, policy or position
>> of the Great Lakes Commission.
>> ---
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
>> "se-mi-birdlist" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
>> email to se-mi-birdlist+<unsubscribe...>
>> To view this discussion visit
>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...> >> <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/se-mi-birdlist/CANuU9sk%2BAnZA%2BKjzABYmhHwbC%<2BRCxH42xFcFY0RgQqWUanMhxQ...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> >> .
>>
> --
> Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at
> www.glc.org
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Birders" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to birders+<unsubscribe...>
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...> > <https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/CAFAm1JepFc30PCUC_O_%2B%2Bp-HCEGyaFYcaFcn-FJ6Fc49%<3DZ_i6w...>?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > .
>
Date: 10/27/24 6:06 pm From: Macklin Smith <macklins...> Subject: [birders] Re: [se-mi-birdlist] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
All~
A sad day indeed. Bruce and I were quite close, and especially after his
diagnosis with Parkinson's I used to drive him around the county and
beyond to look for birds. When he could no longer live alone and had opted
to join family in Indiana, Bruce invited a few of his local birding friends
to his place off of Newport Rd., hopeful that these friends would want to
have some of his fairly extensive library. I was able to take just one
book. Tough stuff. My Dad was also diagnosed with Parkinson's, and his
decline lasted over 12 year.
~Macklin
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 2:24 PM Mary Wise <auntyem...> wrote:
Date: 10/27/24 5:46 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (27 Oct 2024) 1554 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 27, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 7.5 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Bill Peregord, Mark Hainen, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady, Shelly Andrews
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metro Park. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Sun and cloud; up to 80% cloud cover. Light winds from NNW in the morning, stronger southerly of up to 19 km/hour (12 mi/hr) in the afternoon. Air temperature did not exceed +13C (55F).
Raptor Observations: In the morning, nearly 800 Turkey Vultures moved over Celeron and Gibraltar heading north-west and west, but their migration slowed down as soon when the wind changed direction around noon. Another peak of vulture activity occurred after 3 PM, when a thin, but steady stream of birds was seen crossing over water northwest of the count site. Twenty-nine Red-tailed Hawks, thirteen Bald Eagles, six Golden Eagles, and five Rough-legged Hawks were traveling with the vultures.
Non-raptor Observations: American Crows traveled in flocks of hundreds, totaling 2,070. We also sighted one Bonaparte's Gull, several White Pelicans and Buffleheads. As far as we know, this was first sighting of the latter species at the count site in the fall of 2024.
Predictions: Warmer temperatures and southerly winds are in the forecast for tomorrow. Although we expect to see some vultures and other species, we do not anticipate them in thousands. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Paul, Mike, Liz and Hugh for helping with the count today. We were visited by Jen from Courtright, Carole and Brian from Toronto, Thaddeus from Windsor, Dwayne from London, Curtis, Nellie and Kerrie from Harrow, Dennis from Windsor, Dale and Linda from Kingsville, Chris and Jane, Dawn from Ohio, Carol from Essex and Lou and Toni from Windsor,
Weather: This morning started off rather chilly on the tower, with a light North wind and the temperature sitting at 0 Degrees C. The North wind persisted for 2.5 hours, but then switched around to come from the South/Southwest... where it remained for the rest of the day. The temperature topped out at 13 Degrees C in the afternoon, but it felt colder at times with the wind chill. The sky remained mainly clear, with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon and dark skies to the North at 4pm.
Raptor Observations: After a day like yesterday it was bound to feel a little quieter... and it sure did! Just after 11am we had a single Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk, but then it got very quiet for the afternoon. Turkey Vultures still flew by in good numbers, with 1,579 counted. Other than that the only highlights were 1 Red-shouldered Hawk and a few nice Grey Ghosts (male Northern Harriers).
Non-raptor Observations: It was active on the passerine front today, with a much busier morning flight than yesterday. Highlights included; 22 Eastern Bluebird, 44 American Pipit, 5 Pine Siskin, 86 Purple Finch, 304 American Goldfinch and 135 Rusty Blackbird. 435 American White Pelicans continue to be seen in the marsh. Waterfowl numbers are on the increase now, with thousands of ducks present in the marsh. We recorded our first Buffleheads of the season today. Other highlights included; a late Nashville Warbler, Black-bellied Plover, Sandhill Crane and Fox Sparrow. 79 species were seen from the tower today, for the full list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S200531754
Predictions: Tomorrow is expected to be another clear day with wind from the south all day, though the temperature should be warmer than today. I expect the flight to be similar to todays. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/27/24 9:11 am From: 'Mike Sefton' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Bruce Bowman Obituary (1942 - 2024) - Washington, IN - Ann Arbor News
-- Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Birders" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to birders+<unsubscribe...> To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<ADFB1F25-FB56-43E6-B89B-2603C0868685...>
Date: 10/27/24 7:40 am From: Lisa Lava-Kellar <lisalk...> Subject: Re: [birders] Bruce Bowman. Dr Bob Setzer
Thanks, Edie, for letting us all know. Though I didn't know Bruce well, he
was the first person I met from then-Washtenaw Audubon. He was so
encouraging to me as a learning birder (I still am!). I could always send
him questions, which he would readily and helpfully answer. Good birding to
him and Dr. Bob.
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 9:05 AM Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
Date: 10/27/24 5:24 am From: Mary Alice H <mholz0226...> Subject: Re: [birders] Bruce Bowman. Dr Bob Setzer
I an sad to hear this. Although I didn’t know either personally, I
appreciated Bruce’s knowledge and his work as moderator of this list.
I remember when Dr. Bob became a birder. Some months or maybe a year ago I
wrote how I had missed his “ramblings” (I think he called them) & he
responded in typical Dr. Bob fashion.
My condolences to the families and many friends .
Mary Holz
On Sun, Oct 27, 2024 at 7:21 AM Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
Date: 10/26/24 9:04 pm From: 'Edie Britt' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Bruce Bowman. Dr Bob Setzer
I was sad to learn that Bruce Bowman passed away on August 4th 2024.. Dr Bob Setzer passed away on his birthday October 25,2024.Fly High fellow birders.Edie
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Date: 10/26/24 7:23 pm From: 'April Campbell' via Birders <birders...> Subject: [birders] Large Milkweed Bugs
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Date: 10/26/24 6:58 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (26 Oct 2024) 3226 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 26, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 09:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Jerry Jourdan, Mark Hainen, Michelle Peregord, Rosemary Brady
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metro Park. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Cool winds from NW and NNW, reaching 23 km/hour (or 14 mi/hr) in the afternoon. Clear skies until noon, but up to 40% cloud cover later in the day. Temperature never rose above +14C (57F).
Raptor Observations: We counted 3,226 birds, and quite predictably, 95% of those were Turkey Vultures. More than one half of 3,049 vultures moved over the area after 3 PM EDT. Red-tailed Hawks came up second (89), outracing the Sharp-shins (40). Thanks to the hard work by Don and Jerry, we logged five Golden Eagles! Bald Eagles and Red-shouldered Hawks were clearly on the move. Also, it seems, a Peregrine Falcon took temporary residence at the southern end of Celeron Island. It was seen flying up and down the river, chasing something well out of our sight ( but clearly not migrating).
Non-raptor Observations: Good numbers of American Crows (1,469) were counted over the area (complements to Mark and Bill). Twenty-five Blue Jays were also sighted. Also, the habitual White Pelicans. And, yes, we did see a Monarch!
Predictions: If the current weather forecast holds, we should expect another sunny day with cool temperatures (and possible frost in the morning), but, surprisingly, southerly winds! That will likely slow raptor migration down, and we may not see as many vultures as we did in late afternoon today. In fact, it is possible that the large numbers of Turkey Vultures which flew over the area in late afternoon today, were trying to avoid the approaching southerly headwinds. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 10/26/24 6:26 pm From: Dave Mendus <dmendus1528...> Subject: Re: [birders] OT: what are these insects?
I had them on my butterfly weed for 2-3 weeks recently. First time I've
seen them in Wyandotte
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024, 9:05 PM Mary Wise <auntyem...> wrote:
> They are Large Milkweed Bugs. I didn’t know that off the top of my head
> but the image came up when I googled Milkweed Beetles, which are different.
>
> On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:55 PM Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
>
>> These were on milkweed in my friend’s garden, which is right above Winans
>> Lake. About the size of a lightning bug. Neither of us have ever seen them
>> before.
>>
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>> www.glc.org
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>> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<59BE3804-E87D-4CA4-8DC2-F56224A8BAF9...> >> .
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
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>>
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>
Date: 10/26/24 6:05 pm From: Mary Wise <auntyem...> Subject: Re: [birders] OT: what are these insects?
They are Large Milkweed Bugs. I didn’t know that off the top of my head but
the image came up when I googled Milkweed Beetles, which are different.
On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 8:55 PM Mag Tait <magtait1...> wrote:
> These were on milkweed in my friend’s garden, which is right above Winans
> Lake. About the size of a lightning bug. Neither of us have ever seen them
> before.
>
> --
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> www.glc.org
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> https://groups.google.com/a/great-lakes.net/d/msgid/birders/<59BE3804-E87D-4CA4-8DC2-F56224A8BAF9...> > .
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
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>
Date: 10/26/24 5:54 pm From: Mag Tait <magtait1...> Subject: [birders] OT: what are these insects?
These were on milkweed in my friend’s garden, which is right above Winans Lake. About the size of a lightning bug. Neither of us have ever seen them before.
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Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 17:00:00 Total observation time: 10 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Jeremy Bensette, Karen Padbury, Kate Derbyshire, Noel Herdman, Paul Gosselin, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Noel, Paul, Karen, Peter, Kate, and Jeremy for helping with the spotting and counting today. We were visited by Dan from Windsor, Phil and Nancy from Sarnia, Carole and Brian from Toronto, John from Windsor, Dave, Nancy and Renee from Ohio, Andrew, Kara, George and Edmund from Harrow, Mike from Lakeshore, Jeff and Shana from Chatham-Kent, John and Natasha from Tecumseh, Norm and Kristin from Wheatley, Kelly and Dennis from Wheatley, Lou and Toni from Windsor, Kat from Michigan and Peter & Michelle from Lasalle... a busy day on the tower!
Weather: Starting off the temperature was 5 Degrees C, with a clear sky and 15kph WNW winds. We were a bit concerned with how westerly the wind was, but luckily it shifted more to the Northwest around 09:00. For the remainder of the day the wind remained out of the Northwest, sometimes quite light and others gusting to 30kph. the clear blue sky grew increasingly cloudy in the afternoon, with a max of 60% cloud cover... Ideal raptor spotting conditions. The temperature maxed out at 13 Degrees C. The barometer rose to 30.20.
Raptor Observations: Today was a fantastic day for raptors on the tower, with lots of individuals and a nice diversity of species. It started off a bit quiet in the early morning, but things started ramping up after 11:00 and continued to be good for the rest of the day. The flight was dominated by Turkey Vultures, with 3,392 recorded. The vulture flight was much closer than it has been recently, at times birds passed directly over the tower. There was a good mix of other species in with the vultures, including Bald Eagle (33), Red-tailed Hawk (176), Red-shouldered Hawk (43), Northern Harrier (22) and Sharp-shinned Hawk (175). The highlight birds by far today though were the prized northern species, Rough-legged Hawk and Golden Eagle. We recorded 21 Golden Eagles today, which is in the top ten counts of HBMO's 50 years of data. These birds were almost all immatures (one adult type), and many gave us amazing views through our scopes. At one point we even had 5 in view at once! We also counted 8 Rough-legged Hawks, including 1 beautiful dark morph bird (my favourite Ontario hawk). It was just one of those magical fall afternoons to be on the tower, the kind that only happen a few times a season.
Non-raptor Observations: 510 American White Pelican continue to be seen in the marsh, their numbers holding strong in spite on the cold weather. Morning songbird flight was also decent today, highlighted by; 1 Eastern Meadowlark, 16 Yellow-rumped Warbler, 11 American Pipit, 11 Pine Siskin, 28 Purple Finch and 25 Eastern Bluebirds. Other highlights today included; 1 Common Loom, 2 Sandhill Cranes, 1 Blackpoll Warbler and the first American Tree Sparrow of the season. 75 species were recorded from the tower today, for the full list click this eBird link - https://ebird.org/checklist/S200392321
Predictions: Tomorrow will start off colder today, near the freezing mark. The winds are predicted to be light from the Southwest and the sky clear. We will likely see less numbers than today, but it could be an alright day with a few more Golden Eagles. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/25/24 4:12 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (25 Oct 2024) 1162 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 25, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jo Patterson
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metro Park. We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome your questions and company, please know that our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count, and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: Overcast and light drizzle in the morning, but skies cleared by 3 PM EDT. Southerly wind changed to westerly in the afternoon, diminishing to 10 km/hour. Temperature reached +16C (60F).
Raptor Observations: It did not look very promising at the beginning (southerly winds and drizzle). Few Sharp-shins and six Northern Harriers made their way across the river, and a kettle of ca. 70 vultures was sighted over Canada. A two hour lull followed, until the wind turned to WSW around 1 PM. Almost immediately, birds took to the air. At first crows filled the sky (see below), and then Turkey Vultures streamed over Gibraltar in hundreds, bringing guests in their midst. We counted nearly 30 Red-tailed Hawks, two Golden Eagles, two Rough-legged Hawks, and others. A Peregrine Falcon took an instant dislike of one of the Red-tails, stooping at it and chasing it away. We counted 1,162 raptors overall. Frankly, many more than we hoped for on a day like today.
Non-raptor Observations: Large flocks of American Crow streamed across the river after 1 PM. Some flocks were sizable (200-300 birds). Overall, we counted 933 crows. Blue Jays also made a brief appearance (25 in total).
Predictions: Northwestern winds will bring cooler temperatures to the area tomorrow. Although winds from the north-east would have created more favorable conditions for migrating, we, nonetheless, expect to see thousands of vultures with a retinue of other raptors. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Mike Jaber
Visitors: Thanks to Mike for joining me for a few hours in the morning. Besides Mike I didn't see a single person on the tower today, so it was a quieter day than normal up there (probably the quietest this fall).
Weather: Today was a bit strange on the weather front, it just kept switching between different conditions. When I arrived at the site there was a light drizzle in the air, it was 11 C and 100% cloud cover. The drizzle was on and off for the next three hours, sometimes getting a bit stronger so I had to put the camera/data sheets back in the car. After 12:30 a patch of blue sky appeared to the west, which then turned into 50% cloud cover and a lovely day to be on the tower. by 14:00 the sky was almost totally clear... But then a fast moving and dark layer of clouds moved in from the southwest and by 15:20 it was dark and cloudy again, with a light mist over the lake. The only consistent things about the day were the South/Southwest winds (10kph or less). The barometer dropped to 29.83. I included some photos of the sky on the eBird list... for those interested.
Raptor Observations: Considering the poor conditions for the majority of the day, I recorded a surprising amount of raptors (1,193). In the morning we saw a nice push of Northern Harriers, including 4 in one group. Harriers never seem to mind flying in a light rain. In the afternoon I enjoyed two hours of distant raptor flight over the treeline by the far side of the marsh, mainly Sharp-shinned Hawks (77) and Turkey Vultures (1,061). In the mid afternoon a passing Cooper's Hawk caught a Northern Flicker after a dramatic chase. Highlights today were 2 Merlin and the nice numbers of Northern Harrier (29).
Non-raptor Observations: The rain put a damper on the morning songbird flight, so we recorded less species than normal today. Sparrow diversity was very good around the base of the tower today though, with 8 species recorded (highlighted by our first Fox Sparrow of the season). The American White Pelicans were less plentiful today (290), though the larger numbers could be foraging somewhere nearby. 380 Rusty Blackbirds foraged in the marsh beside the tower in the morning, the largest numbers we've seen this fall. Other highlights from today included; 1 Orange-crowned Warbler, 1 Blackpoll Warbler, 3 Common Loons, 9 Sandhill Cranes and 280 Tree Swallows. 74 species were recorded from the tower today. For the full list click this eBird link -https://ebird.org/checklist/S200236431
Predictions: Tomorrow looks like quite a promising day... Mainly sunny, a light Northwest wind and cooler temperatures. It should be a good day on the tower, with a decent chance of northern species such as Golden Eagle and Rough-legged Hawk ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 16:00:00 Total observation time: 9 hours
Official Counter: Kiah Jasper
Observers: Hugh Kent, Juliette Herdman, Liz Kent, Mike Jaber, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Hugh, Liz, Peter, Mike, Juliette and Noel for assisting with the count today. We were visited by Brian and Fran from Kingsville, Jodie from Guelph, Justin from Windsor, Karen from Windsor, Rob and Sherly from Michigan.
Weather: Starting off at 4 Degrees C, it rose to 15 C later in the afternoon. The sky remained clear throughout the day, with less haze than previous days. The wind started off from the North, but shifted NW and then West by 10:00, eventually turning to South in the afternoon (very light all day, but almost dying completely in the afternoon). The barometer remained around 30.01
Raptor Observations: Better than the last several days for raptors, with 2,864 individuals of 12 species recorded. There was hardly any activity in the morning, but things picked up significantly after 13:00 and in the afternoon we saw a nice, but often very distant flight. The bulk of the birds were Turkey Vultures, with 2,668 recorded. We also saw a decent number of Red-tailed Hawks (92), Northern Harriers (18) and Sharp-shinned Hawks (56). The highlights today were 5 Golden Eagles and 5 Rough-legged Hawks, including two roughies that flew right over the tower together near the end of the day.
Non-raptor Observations: The American White Pelicans continue out in the marsh for another day, with a minimum of 510 counted. There was a decent visible migration of passerines in the morning, highlighted by; 46 Purple Finch, 458 American Goldfinch, 2 Pine Siskin, 5,260 Red-winged Blackbird, 35 Rusty Blackbird and a late-for-season Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Waterfowl continue to be seen in the marsh, as well as lots of Pied-billed Grebes and American Coot. A lone Savannah Sparrow at the base of the tower was our first of the season. Other highlights today included; 1 Philadelphia Vireo, 2 Blackpoll Warblers and 2 Sandhill Cranes. 80 species were recorded from the tower today, for the full eBird list click here - https://ebird.org/checklist/S200141166
Predictions: Tomorrow is meant to be another cool day, but with wind from the south all day. There is also meant to be more cloud cover and a chance of rain (but not too high). As of right now Saturday looks to be a much better day for our site, with North wind and clear skies. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Kiah Jasper (<kiahbirder...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/24/24 4:14 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (24 Oct 2024) 3396 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 24, 2024
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Andrew Sturgess, Jo Patterson
Observers: Bill Peregord, Don Sherwood, Erika Van Kirk, Frank Kitakis,
Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie MetroPark.
We are willing to spread the gospel with pamphlets and information cards,
along with tips on IDing the raptors, and photography tips for those behind
the cameras. Let us share our enthusiasm for this miracle of nature with
you.
Weather:
The winds were predicted to be unpredictable today, and once again, our
weather forecasting site that we use got it wrong, or right, depending on
your point of view. Fortunately, there was a northern component to the
morning winds and it didn’t shift to the south until the last two hours.
The blue dome that we have lived under recently continued today with only
modest attempts at cloud formation. Clear skies at this time of year mean
cold mornings, especially with northern winds, so we started the day in the
forties, reaching only the mid-fifties by the afternoon. There were
variations in wind speed as well as direction. Although the forecast had
everything remaining below 5 mph, the WNW wind peaked at 7 mph before
dropping, veering to the south and gaining strength, climbing up to nine
mph. Although the day was difficult to predict as far as migration, it
turned out for the best under the circumstances as the memo to get out of
Dodge was widely circulated and heeded.
Raptor Observations:
Silence is golden, and so were fourteen of our eagles today. Sometimes
these birds are spotted a considerable distance away due to their large
size and flight characteristics that let you feel confident in calling them
early. Then the long wait begins as they meander along, taking their sweet
time, stopping a few times to soar for a few minutes. That was not the case
today as they sped by on a wind that they found to their liking for making
time. Nearly all the birds were IDed as juveniles but one may have been a
subadult. Still a majestic sight to see in our skies and one of the many
joys of hawk watching. Of course, Cathartes Aura will still carry the day
in October. The light winds were not promising in the first couple of
hours, but as they increased in strength the turkey vultures took
advantage. The later southern winds made counting them more challenging as
the flight line changed from one that passed over our heads to one that
passed over another Zip Code. Nevertheless, we managed to snag three
thousand, one hundred and fifty-two of them by day’s end. The red-tailed
hawks were motivated today, one hundred and thirty-two of them flew along
with the vultures. Sharp-shins are still moving but their best days are
behind them. Sixty-two were counted today. Red-shouldered hawks and
Northern harriers were tied at eleven for the same level on the totem pole.
Five bald eagles were seen when the birds were flying up high on the
lighter winds. Two species of falcon were represented today with one
peregrine and five kestrels making good time on the winds. One rough-legged
hawk of the light-morph persuasion was enjoyed by the assembled clan. A
single broad-winged hawk was also seen.
Non-raptor Observations:
Pelicans, everybody’s WTH? bird, were seen in smallish numbers today.
That is a bird that consistently shocks non-birders with their presence in
Michigan. The ducks, mostly mallards, were active in the morning hours.
Cormorants still seem to be migrating in straggly vees. It was a fairly
quiet day on the “others” front. Swallows and gulls were the main
occupants of the sky besides the migrants which we were busy counting.
Predictions:
Tomorrow has a number of negative signs. The barometer will be dropping,
the winds will be southerly, albeit light, and cloud cover will increase
with a threat of rain. The threat of rain has seemed to be diminishing as
the week has progressed so it may not materialize at all, so bring your
foul weather gear. I suspect that Saturday will be a better day as the
barometer rebounds and northern winds will return. They will however be
fairly strong from the northwest and that favors our Canadian colleagues at
Holiday Beach. Hopefully, we can both share a good count on that day.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Andrew Sturgess (<ajyes72...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Date: 10/23/24 5:15 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (23 Oct 2024) 596 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch Brownstown, Michigan, USA Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 23, 2024 -------------------------------------------------------------------
Observation start time: 08:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Jerry Jourdan, Jo Patterson, Mark Hainen
Visitors: We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark! Come visit us for ID tips and other educational information. While we welcome your questions and company, please know our professional counter, apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed view of the horizon.
Weather: The blue dome that we have been trapped under has finally passed! The sky remained overcast all day, and a morning WSW breeze swung around to WNW in the afternoon. The barometer rose from 29.89 to 29.93. Temperatures remained stable, rising only from 17-19C (63-66F).
Raptor Observations: The morning started off pretty slow, but the Turkey Vultures soon began to trickle in! We recorded 555 vultures. They were never inclined to kettle, just simply sliding across the treetops. Sharpies were the only other species above single digits: 24 birds flew low in the wind. A handful of other species were observed: 7 Red-tail, 2 Bald Eagle, 1 Kestrel, 1 Golden Eagle, and Rough-Legged. Pictures of the Golden Eagle and Rough-Legged can be found on our Facebook!
Non-raptor Observations: No corvids were seen today. Kinglets and Yellow-rumped Warblers are still being reported on the trail.
Predictions: Tomorrow should bring light and variable wind, clear skies, and temperatures between 40F and 60F. We hope to see a larger movement of raptors, tomorrow and the rest of the week, as the weather cools. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>) Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent
Observers: Liz Kent
Visitors: Thanks to Liz for helping out all day. The American White Pelicans are again attracting visitors and we were happy to show them to 2 classes of Children visiting the Tower, Greg from Amherstburg, Charlene from Strathroy, Maria from London, Sonia and Steve from Tecumseh, Maggie and Drew from Kelowna, Kim and Tom from Windsor and Kobe from Amherstburg.
Weather: The moderate, sometimes strong wind initially from the south, changed to the west by mid day, but the northerly component forecast failed to materialise. The temperature remained in the high teens all day under an overcast sky. Visibility was somewhat hazy at times, with the pressure rising about 7 points over the day.
Raptor Observations: Very quiet, with even reduced numbers of Turkey Vultures (353), all to the north. The highlights were a nice adult Peregrine Falcon over the marsh and a 'Grey Ghost' male Northern Harrier close to the Tower in the last hour.
Non-raptor Observations: Wondering where all the American White Pelicans were with only 16 present initially, we were soon back to normal with a total of 386 counted. Many ducks again on the marsh with Gadwall (526) leading the way. The old regulars of Common Gallinule and Blackpoll Warbler were again present. There was a chorus of blackbirds all day around the Tower with Red-winged Blackbirds (530), Brown-headed Cowbird (17) Rusty Blackbird (115) and Common Grackle (21) all stopping by at sometime or other. The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S200032522
Predictions: Hopefully the forecast for tomorrow pans out and we get light winds from the north under sunny skies. It will be a cold 5c initially, rising to about 14c by the end of the day. The north wind should bring more Raptors than today. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Observation start time: 07:00:00 Observation end time: 15:00:00 Total observation time: 8 hours
Official Counter: Hugh Kent, Liz Kent
Observers: Liz Kent, Michelle Mastellotto, Noel Herdman, Peter Veighey
Visitors: Thanks to Liz for taking over as Official Counter for a period during the middle of the day and to Peter, Noel and Michelle for keeping us company. We were able to show off the Pelicans to Linda S, Judy, Linda J and Carol from Essex and Maidstone, Ann from LaSalle, Mary from Tecumseh, Chelsea and Kursten from Amherstburg and Weiner from Berlin, Germany.
Weather: Very pleasant day on the Tower with a light to moderate wind from the south east, scattered clouds and a temperature starting at 14c and reaching 23c in the afternoon. It was a bit hazy, restricting visibility slightly. The pressure stayed constant until mid morning and then fell 15 points throughout the remainder of the day.
Raptor Observations: Another quiet day with Turkey Vultures (905) making up the lion's share with a flightline way off to the north. Only Sharp-shinned Hawks (22) and Red-tailed Hawks (15) made it into double figures. It was good to see a Merlin passing the Tower low and fast chasing a bird.
Non-raptor Observations: American White Pelicans (458) were again stars of the show with people coming to see them not disappointed. Some started off close to the Tower in a feeding huddle but soon dispersed, with at least half staying in their usual place on the north west edge of the marsh. Good numbers of dabbling ducks today with a notable flock of Green-winged Teal (520) in a creek to the north of the marsh. A small group of Pied-billed Grebe (16) were good to see just north of the Tower. The young Red-headed Woodpecker and a Blackpoll Warbler are still lingering. It was good to hear Eastern Bluebirds travelling west overhead together with reasonable numbers of American Robin (54), Cedar Waxwing (147) and American Goldfinch (135). The list is at https://ebird.org/checklist/S199927106
Predictions: A moderate wind is forecast from the southwest turning west northwest in the afternoon. Starting cloudy it will become overcast in the afternoon. The temperature is forecast to be in the high teens all day. Hopefully a change in direction of the wind and increase in strength will bring along more raptors than today, although probably the same mix. ======================================================================== Report submitted by Hugh Kent (<Hughnkent...>) Holiday Beach Hawk Watch information may be found at: http://hbmo.ca/
Date: 10/22/24 5:02 pm From: <reports...> Subject: [birders] Detroit River Hawk Watch (22 Oct 2024) 413 Raptors
Detroit River Hawk Watch
Brownstown, Michigan, USA
Daily Raptor Counts: Oct 22, 2024
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Observation start time: 08:00:00
Observation end time: 15:00:00
Total observation time: 7 hours
Official Counter: Michael Patrikeev
Observers: Ben Sehl, Jo Patterson
Visitors:
We welcome visitors to our site by the boat launch in Lake Erie Metropark!
We have brochures and educational information we are happy to share. Let us
share our enthusiasm for migration and raptors with you! While we welcome
your questions and company, please know our professional counter,
apprentices, and volunteers must communicate with each other frequently to
successfully conduct the count and they also must maintain an unobstructed
view of the horizon.
Big shout out to the very kind gentleman that brought us an identification
question about a hawk he had seen recently. We worked together using some
guide books and our hawk watch brochures to identify the bird as a
red-tailed hawk!
Weather:
Today was a beautiful day at the count site. A high of 68 F (20 C) and
constant moderate wind up to 10 mph (16 kph) out of the south. There were
some high, wispy clouds for the entire day that provided great contrast for
our few birds that flew over. There was a haze in the distance that made
our view of Canada and the turkey vultures flying there slightly difficult
to see.
Raptor Observations:
The migrating raptors were few and far between today. The morning started
very slow, with only two sharp-shinned hawks in the first two hours. These
slow starts have been a common theme in the past few days of warmer weather
and southern winds. The peak of the action was around mid-day and the
following hour. Turkey vultures could be seen gathering far and low over
Canada. They had to be counted there as only a few ever reappeared after
streaming behind Celeron island’s trees. We finished with 364 on the day.
The 44 sharp-shinned hawks that passed gave us much better views, flying
relatively low and sometimes directly overhead. Our few other birds
included 2 kestrels zooming past, a northern harrier, a red-tailed hawk and
a merlin.
Non-raptor Observations:
There were relatively few other birds active in the channel in front of the
count site. However, we were enthralled by the interactions between the few
gulls, fishermen and fish. There were several yellow perch and a mystery
fish, potentially stunned after being caught by the fishermen, floating the
water. The gulls made a big show of picking them up and fighting for the
right to eat them.
We also saw 63 crows fly past in a few small flocks.
Predictions:
As many volunteers have hypothesized, the warm spell and southern winds
have stifled the migration of our raptors. As the weather begins to cool
and the winds shift in the next few days, we hope to start seeing larger
movements of turkey vultures and other raptors.
========================================================================
Report submitted by Erika Van Kirk (<erika_vankirk...>)
Detroit River Hawk Watch information may be found at:
http://www.detroitriverhawkwatch.org
Don Henise’s excellent JAS Blog and pictures availableat:
JacksonAudubon Society - Haehnle Sanctuary Crane Count 10/21/2024
You can view past postings and historical crane countingdata on
Haehnle web site
JASBlog page
And on JAS or Haehnle FB pages
Regards,Steve Jerant
--
Birders is a service of the Great Lakes Commission. Visit us at www.glc.org
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